New FD for building society
BEVERLEY Building Society has appointed a new finance director, which it believes is the first female to take up this position at a Yorkshire-based building society.
Formerly working in the Harrogate office of global payment processing company WorldPay, Janet Bedford started the role this month.
The appointment follows the mutual’s record growth in 2013, which was announced earlier this year.
The society saw a 7% rise in its mortgage book, up from £131m to £141m, and a £4.1m increase in savers’ deposits to £168.7m in the 12 months to December 2013. The performance produced an overall balance sheet growth of 1.03%, increasing assets to £181.3m from £179.5m in 2012.
Looking forward, the society has come to the end of its current three-year strategy, with a new one set to be devised in November.
Chief executive Peter Myers said this strategy, which focused on providing 21st century delivery without forgetting its founding principles, has been successful and the next one will be more of the same.
“The strategy will be more of the same on the generic level and trying to focus on the things we can do in the community,” Myers told TheBusinessDesk.com.
“We will continue to grow the business and record results will happen, but it’s important to remember that the money is all reinvested back into the business.
“Moving forwards, we will grow the business by a whole combination of things such as working to increase the number of members, especially younger ones.”
Over the past 12 months the business has made other senior appointments including a new risk director due to start in November and a new finance manager. The mutual now employs a team of 20.
Shortly after joining the firm, Myers told TheBusinessDesk that the society had no intention of being snapped up by a larger rival and Myer’s views are still the same, he said.
On Bedford’s appointment, Myers added: “Following a nationwide recruitment search, Janet represents a fantastic appointment for us. She brings with her a vast wealth of experience that will benefit the Beverley and its members.”
Beverley Building Society was established in 1866 and is one of the UK’s oldest building societies.
