THE chief executive of Yorkshire Building Society has highlighted the importance of its Bradford base – as the organisation released “strong” annual financial results today.

The society, which has its head office on Yorkshire Drive in the city, has revealed a record number of savings accounts were opened with it last year – 693,000, up from 537,000 in 2022.

It also provided 44,000 new residential mortgages in 2023.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus this morning, Susan Allen, who became Yorkshire Building Society’s chief executive last year, described Bradford as being a “really important” part of the group. 

She said: “As I complete my first year as chief executive, I’m proud to lead such a strong and sustainable organisation focused on supporting its members, customers and communities. 

“More people are choosing us for their savings and, despite the mortgage market being much smaller in 2023, we increased our market share and one in three of our new owner-occupied mortgages was to a first-time buyer.

“Bradford, to me, is really important. 

“It’s so important to our heritage and it’s so important to everyone who works at Yorkshire Building Society.

“Over the last year, we’ve invested £3m into our Bradford head office to create a better space for staff.

“We also want to open up that space to more community organisations – particularly charities.

“We have branches in the Bradford area which now host a Citizens Advice adviser one day a week to offer independent and impartial advice on a wide range of issues in private meeting rooms.

“This service is available to members and non-members alike and is making a real difference in local communities.”

“We’re also working with a number of schools in the Bradford area to build skills and opportunities, including through Money Minds. This is a programme developed to inspire children and young people to learn about money.”

Around 3,500 people work at the Yorkshire Building Society. The majority of the just over 2,740 members of staff based in Yorkshire work at the Bradford head office.

Ms Allen added: “I believe we provide great career opportunities for people in the Bradford area. Over the last year, total headcount has gone up by 10 per cent.

“I can see our business growing further over the next few years.”

Amid concerns about bank closures across the UK, she said: “The society remains committed to maintaining a branch presence.

“Many of our members value the personal touch they receive in a branch, especially when they require support in more complex situations.”

Ms Allen called Yorkshire Building Society an “amazing” place to work. 

She added: “I’m delighted to be part of a business which has so much passion for our customers and members and communities.”