Christopher Barrow
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your treasured possessions are secure
‘Convenience is a fundamental element in our service,’ says Christopher Barrow, the Chief Executive of Metropolitan Safe Deposits. ‘When customers trust us with their valuables, they must have complete confidence that their safe deposit box is accessible. Hence, it’s been essential for us to remain open through all the lockdown periods.’
To be able to do so, Christopher and his team invested substantially in re-modelling their High Road premises. ‘Glass screens were installed in our meeting rooms to separate staff and customers, we put gel pads on doors and provided hospital grade cleaning materials and staff were equipped with full PPE,’ he recalls. ‘Inevitably, our hours were slightly reduced but, most importantly, clients were reassured that they could use their boxes and in safety.’
At a time when banks have mostly exited the safe deposit sector, Metropolitan Safe Deposits is an independent alternative. ‘We have 12 sizes of box in our Chiswick vaults,’ explains Christopher. ‘Initially, most customers choose one of our three smallest ones; they are ideal for storing precious keepsakes, such as jewellery and watches, and cost from £95 p.a including £10,000 insurance.’
‘Our building combines multi-layered alarm and surveillance networks and proven physical protection, including 24/7 CCTV of the perimeter and interior, seismic and stress detectors and bullet-resistant airlock doors. We have three integrated alarm systems and client access is controlled by computer-verified ID and biometric fingerprint procedures. Each safe deposit box is individually alarmed and we are alerted if more than a given number are open at any one time.’
Opening hours at Metropolitan Safe Deposits are currently 8.30am-7pm (weekdays) and 10am-4pm (Saturdays) and Christopher anticipates that Sunday opening will resume soon now that the government has confirmed the lifting of Covid restrictions.
‘In the UK we are still less accustomed to using what Americans call a Bank Box,’ he says. ‘That’s why we encourage people to come and see us; just call, email or pop in to arrange an appointment, and then one of our professional team will explain more about how we operate and the options available.’
Metropolitan Safe Deposits
329 Chiswick High Road,
Chiswick W4 4HS
02039282828
chiswick@metrosafe.co.uk
https://www.metrosafe.co.uk
