Fwiw, I was walking down the streets of Glasgow last week and...

Fwiw, I was walking down the streets of Glasgow last week and found myself outside a branch of Clydesdale Bank (no Yorkshire in the sign out the front).
I went in and immediately a middle-aged staff member approached and asked how she could help. I explained that I was an Australian shareholder and was interested in seeing the bricks and mortar of my holding. She welcomed me to head office and explained how they'd been owned and sold by NAB, how shares had been distributed to NAB holders etc. I knew all this but let her go as she was clearly on top of the subject. She explained more about their employee shareholder scheme, of which she was a big fan, and she talked about the acquisition of Virgin Money, which she was also enthusiastic about.

She was the only person I spoke to but if she is an indicator of the quality of staff at CYB, then we're in great hands. She was most impressive. The premises were spacious and classy with a quiet, smart, business-like atmosphere.

Coincidentally, around the corner what should I see but a branch of Virgin Money, so in we go. The contrast couldn't have been greater. A small, modern, flashy office with coffee machines for clients to help themselves, expensive magazines lying around for them to read, and games to occupy the children. Totally Branson.

There was a young, attractive woman near the door whose job (presumably) was to welcome clients and direct them to the appropriate staff member. She smiled at me but held her ground. I looked around bemused for a minute or so, taking in the 'vibe' and then she came over. Once again, I said the shareholder thing and that I was interested to see the company CYB was just buying. This was news to her. She knew nothing about a takeover but smiled a 'whatever' sort of smile.

I asked her what Virgin Money was and she said 'It's just, like, a bank.' Or maybe she said 'It's just like a bank'.

So my impressions based on a five-minute interaction with each are that CYB itself is solid and that Virgin Money has plenty of fat to cut and plenty of room for improvement.

Yep, I know balance sheets tell the real story but it was good to see both businesses and get a gut impression.  

CYB headquarters