While numerous High Street staples are transitioning to online or out-of-town locations, Leek Building Society is committed to staying put. They are committed to making a real difference by supporting local charities and community groups. Lynne Ransome, the branch manager in Cheadle, spoke with COGNEWS about their community efforts locally.
Staff members are encouraged and supported to volunteer two days per year at causes that mean something to them, making a real difference to local charities and building strong connections in the town. In collaboration with Young Enterprise, the staff at the Cheadle branch have been conducting financial education workshops at both Painsley Catholic College and Cheadle Academy. Staff enjoyed working with the students, providing insights into the world of work and savings, and highlighting the benefits of developing good savings habits from a young age.
Currently, all staff in the Society are participating in training around the topic of dementia, with a particular focus on improving the customer experience for those who are impacted by this. Over the past few years, the building society has partnered with three local charities: Paddles Swimming, EqualBase, and Moorlands Home Link. In 2024, Lynne and the team at the Cheadle branch raised £703.00, which the Building Society increased to £1,203.00.
Lynne informed us that they provide support with people’s savings needs from infancy to retirement, offering additional services such as award-winning mortgages, home insurance, and independent financial advice. Over recent months, many people have faced difficulties due to cuts in their winter fuel allowance. To help, staff have supported local residents with savings reviews to ensure people’s money is working as efficiently as possible and to identify ways to potentially offset any losses.
The organisation also has a partnership with AEDdonate, which will see 100 life-saving defibrillators installed in local communities. Lynne's energetic, caring approach, her friendly team, beautiful space to visit, and joined-up approach to the community make them worthy winners of any award!
*Leek United Building Society, trading as Leek Building Society, is an independent mutual building society and the 17th largest building society in the UK. The society has 12 branches and a Customer Service Centre across Cheshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. They are also members of the Building Societies Association.
Community Building: A Closer Look at Leek Building Society in Cheadle - last updated 27.02.25
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