Darlington Building Society marked a new era on 10th September 2015 as it embarked on a journey to refresh its offering and renew its branding.
Throughout the North East, civic leaders and community groups unveiled the new shop signage on ‘launch day’ and the Building Society restated its core values as a thriving, independent, regional organisation dedicated to offering house buyers and savers access to the financial products that serve their needs. They also pledge to share their funds, people, resources, physical spaces and skills to make a real difference in the communities they serve.
The Building Society will be 160 years old next year and has commissioned a new look at each of its 13 branches and agencies.
Forthcoming changes include:
- A new look to each of the Society’s branches
- An enhanced community fund
- A new children’s savings product
- A reward scheme for members
- The introduction of online facilities for mortgages and savings
A programme of local launch events, including attendance by CEO Colin Fyfe, long-standing customers and local dignitaries started at 10 in the morning in Northallerton, ending at 4.30pm in Barnard Castle (see below).
Colin Fyfe, chief executive of Darlington Building Society, said: “This week marks the start of a new age for Darlington Building Society. The recession is over and homebuyers and savers want financial products that building societies are renowned for, but expect them in a modern setting and delivered without resorting to faceless bureaucracy and automated decision making. We will be offering modern online services but we have also invested in our branch network, our products, and our community.
“Our new look is just the start; throughout the next few months we will be rolling out a series of important changes to the way we do business that involve a wider range of products, greater involvement in our local communities and rewarding the support and loyalty of our membership.
“We have been in Darlington nearly 160 years and embark on this new era with the confidence and resources needed to thrive and prosper as an independent mutual society for years to come.
“Our members take great pride in the service we provide. We are different to big banks and their strong support of our independence will help us to grow even stronger in a world where what counts is as important as what is counted.”