This is a strange comment to me, though I haven't banked in Germany. Current accounts and transfers are almost universally free in the UK. Transfers are so quick that I transfer money to my account from my phone as I'm standing at the ATM with a queue behind me, knowing it will be there instantly.
Which parts were slow and expensive?
Have you banked in both the UK and Germany?
I have, and it was no contest, UK was horrible, expensive, slow and unresponsive.