Bank Machine, the UK's Premier ATM Operator, is today launching a campaign to get five pound notes back into circulation and are calling on owners of suitable sites for £5 dispensing ATMs to come forward.

Bank Machine's campaign is endorsed by the Bank of England, which is responsible for making sure the right currency is in circulation at any one time. Latest figures show that there are currently not enough £5 notes available to the general public. Those that are in existence are becoming torn and tatty and are not therefore particularly "user-friendly".

Historically, ATM operators like High Street Banks haven't been prepared to provide ATMs that issue £5 notes. However Bank Machine is set to change all that by committing to installing £5 note dispensing ATMs in high-profile locations.

Ron Delnevo, Managing Director of Bank Machine, says:

"We believe getting fivers back into circulation will be of huge benefit to both consumers and retail businesses alike. No one likes having to pay for a low-cost product with a £10 or even £20 note and no one wants too many heavy £1 coins.

Our campaign is particularly timely given the current credit crunch, as many people feel more able to manage their finances by spending cash - £5 notes will allow them to be even more careful in keeping their spending down."

Andrew Bailey, Chief Cashier at the Bank of England, said: "£5 notes have a vital part to play in the UK purchasing chain and I welcome this initiative by Bank Machine to give easier access to these notes in key ATM locations throughout the UK."

Bank Machine Needs You!

Bank Machine's first £5 note only ATM will be located on Roman Road in East London*, with 20 more sites being worked on around in Key Locations around the UK, but they are looking to make many partnerships with site owners in locations where £5 notes might be most in demand by consumers.

Ron adds: "We know that offering fivers will make your ATM more appealing to consumers than your local competitors. However, we do think that the busiest locations by or near railway stations, shopping centres and high streets will benefit the most from this enhanced service and also have the best chance of getting these notes into circulation. Site owners/retailers can contact me direct via email at: gettingyourATM@bankmachine.com. I will give this major initiative my personal attention"

Background notes

* The first fiver-only ATM will be located at 435 Roman Road, London E3 5LX.

1. Bank Machine created the UK's independent ATM market ten years ago and now has 2,500 cash machines in locations that include cinemas, garage forecourts and retail outlets - ranging from Selfridges to convenience stores.

2. It began by installing pay-to-use cash machines in convenient locations but has since built a free-to-use network - which already includes over 500 ATMs located in, for example, NHS hospitals, military bases and low-income areas.

3. Bank Machine - a division of Cardtronics Inc., the World's largest ATM operator with over 31,000 machines - has around 100 staff in the UK.

4. For more information about Bank Machine, please visit its website (www.bankmachine.com) or contact Quintus's Fran Cooke (020 7340 6260 / fran@quintuspa.com).