Vernon Building Society delivers another year of strong performance as assets rise to £534m
23 March 2026
Vernon Building Society has reported another year of positive progress in its 2025 annual results, with total assets increasing by 5.4% to £534m (2024: £506m) and profit before tax reaching £2.8m. As a proud local mutual, the Society continued to balance sustainable growth with its commitment to delivering long-term value for members across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Highlights include continued mortgage book growth, strong inflows of new savings, exceptional member satisfaction, and meaningful contributions to local communities.
The Society grew its mortgage book by 4.6% to £439.5m and welcomed £28m in new savings, growing its retail savings balances by 6.2% to £474.9m, reflecting ongoing member confidence in its competitive products and personal service. Demand for the Society’s specialist lending proposition also continued to grow, supporting borrowers whose circumstances are often underserved by larger lenders and demonstrating the importance of a flexible, human approach to mortgage lending.
Member experience remained a standout strength. Feedback collected through Smart Money People resulted in an overall satisfaction score of 98.2% and a Net Promoter Score of 92, reaffirming the Society’s reputation for personal service and the high level of trust members place in a local, independent mutual. The Society also retained its 5 star rating in the Smart Money People Lender Benchmark Survey for the support it provides to mortgage brokers and their clients.
The Vernon’s commitment to colleagues and its community was also recognised. The Society was named Employer of the Year for both Stockport and the North West and achieved accreditation from the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. Colleagues contributed over 100 days of volunteering, while charitable programmes supported more than 50 organisations across the region. Financial education initiatives reached over 1,700 students.
Darren Ditchburn, Chief Executive of Vernon Building Society, said:
“In a year when many households were still feeling the squeeze, we’ve continued to grow carefully, support more borrowers and offer competitive and good value savings products. Our lending growth shows there is real demand for a human, flexible approach that many larger lenders aren’t providing.”
“In 2026, we’ll continue to invest in the future of the Society, from specialist mortgages and competitive savings accounts to enhanced digital services and community branches, all while staying true to our mutual values.”
The Society also celebrated two milestones during the year: 40 years on Bramhall high street and the launch of its first regional TV advertising campaign across the North West. Looking ahead, the Vernon plans to open its first community branch outside Stockport and continue its investment in technology to enhance the experience for members, brokers and colleagues. This investment programme forms part of the Society’s long-term strategy to strengthen its services while preserving the personal, relationship led approach that defines the Vernon.
As the Society looks ahead to 2026, its focus remains clear: investing in its people, technology, and communities while staying true to its mutual values and delivering long-term benefit for members.
To read the full Annual Review visit https://www.thevernon.co.uk/about-us/annual-review/
