First direct has unveiled a new banking initiative that will give customers and members of the public a chance to have their say on how new products and services are developed, and the opportunity to give feedback prior to launch.

The bank claims that ‘Beta Lab’, announced as first direct celebrates its 21st birthday, will be the only project of its kind to be trialled by a bank in the UK.

The scheme, which will go live later this year, will be carried out primarily online.

Paul Say, head of marketing at first direct, said: “For 21 years