I want to use a bank's services and build a business relationship with the bank, not make deep personal relationship with the employees (though those aren't mutually exclusive). The courtesies you mention should go both ways. Why don't UK banks try to attract more first-time businesspeople or at least not be a hindrance to them?

The banks need healthy relationships with entrepreneurs and their businesses as much as the entrepreneurs need their services. Their PR material tries to convince you of this but the reality seems to differ.