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Welsh Lender Event Celebrated as Major Success in Swansea

The Welsh Lender Event has been praised as a major success, uniting brokers, lenders, and key industry figures at the Swansea Building Society Arena on Wednesday, September 17. Attendees highlighted the event’s valuable networking opportunities and its role in strengthening collaboration across Wales’ financial services sector.

Held in Swansea for the first time – the event had previously only taken place in Cardiff – the Welsh Lender Event 2025 attracted mortgage professionals from across Wales and beyond. Attendees praised the calibre of speakers, the breadth of insights shared and the valuable opportunities to network with peers.

Hosted in partnership by Swansea Building Society, Monmouthshire Building Society, Principality Building Society and Hodge, the half-day conference featured an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and interactive sessions.

Paul Broadhead of the Building Societies Association (BSA) provided timely insights into the mortgage market, while Stephanie Charman of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) explored the future of mortgage advice. Gethin Davies from Yellow Brick Mortgages inspired the audience with a fireside chat on a charity initiative. There was a lively BDM session with short presentations and an interactive quiz that kept delegates engaged. And rounding off the agenda an inspiring session from psychologist and author, Jon Dunckley, around the importance of purpose and connection in life.

Alongside the packed programme, attendees enjoyed complimentary refreshments, raffle prizes, and the chance to take a guided tour of the Swansea Building Society Arena.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are delighted with how successful this year’s Welsh Lender Event has been. Bringing the event to Swansea for the first time has allowed us to showcase our city as a centre of excellence for financial services, while offering brokers and industry leaders the opportunity to come together, learn, and make connections that will benefit the sector for years to come. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are proud to have played our part in hosting such a dynamic and forward-looking event.”

The Welsh Lender Event has become an annual highlight in the industry calendar, and organisers have confirmed that plans are already underway for next year’s gathering.

Swansea Building Society renews partnership with Swansea City AFC for 2025/26 Season

Swansea Building Society has extended its partnership with Swansea City Football Club, continuing as the official back-of-shirt sponsor for the 2025/26 season. The Society’s iconic green logo will proudly feature on the home and away kits for the upcoming campaign.

This marks the latest chapter in a strong and growing relationship between the two Swansea institutions. As well as continuing its back-of-shirt presence on the home and away kits, Swansea Building Society will retain naming rights for the premium executive lounge at the Swansea.com Stadium – the Swansea Building Society Lounge – which is also set to undergo renovations ahead of the 2025/26 season to further enhance the matchday experience for fans and guests.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to the local community and a deep-rooted pride in the city. With both the Society and the Football Club boasting rich histories in Swansea dating back over a century, their collaboration celebrates and strengthens those local ties.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Swansea City into the 2025/26 season. It’s a privilege to see our iconic green logo back on the home and away kits, and to continue supporting the Club both on and off the field. Our relationship goes beyond branding – it’s about championing the city, its people, and a shared ambition for excellence. We look forward to the season ahead and to welcoming fans back to an even better Swansea Building Society Lounge.”

Lee Merrells, Head of Partnerships at Swansea City AFC, added:

“Our partnership with Swansea Building Society continues to go from strength to strength. We’re thrilled to see them remain as back-of-shirt sponsor across the home and away kits for the new season and to continue working with them on delivering a first-class experience in the Swansea Building Society Lounge. Their commitment to the Club and the wider community is unwavering, and we’re proud to have them alongside us once again.”

Swansea Building Society has a long history of serving the South Wales area, offering a range of savings and mortgage products since its founding as a mutual in 1923. With its headquarters in Swansea and branch offices in Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge, Swansea Building Society has become an integral part of the community, embodying a personal, face-to-face approach that caters to the unique needs of its members.

Swansea Building Society expands team to support continued record growth

Following its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking results, Swansea Building Society is strengthening its frontline team across its branch network and head office. The latest team expansion is part of the Society’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and supporting future growth across Wales.

The Society has welcomed nine new team members across a variety of roles in recent months, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional personal service while continuing to grow and invest in its future.

Among the recent appointments are Callum Curtis, who joins as Financial Risk Manager; Conor Harrison and Daniel Clifford, both taking on Mortgage Administrator roles at the Society’s head office; and Jaimee Walters, who has joined as a Manager’s Assistant, also based at head office.

Supporting the Society’s high street presence, Paula Johnson has joined the Portland Street branch as a Manager’s Assistant, while Christopher Rice takes up the position of Branch Manager in Cowbridge. Additionally, Kathryn Chadwick has joined the Mumbles branch as a part-time Cashier, with Sally Fuller and Hayley Barnes also appointed as part-time Cashiers at the Portland Street and Carmarthen branches respectively.

The appointments come at a time of sustained success for the Society, which recently reported its strongest-ever financial results at its Annual General Meeting. This growth has been driven by a continued focus on customer service, local decision-making, and a branch-based model that puts community first.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Following another record year, we are delighted to have welcomed several new colleagues to the Society. These appointments reflect not only our ongoing growth, but our long-standing commitment to investing in our people and maintaining the personal, face-to-face service that sets us apart.

“Our branch network and head office teams are central to the Society’s success, and we are proud to continue strengthening those teams to support both existing and new members across South Wales.”

The Society, which has built a strong reputation for delivering tailored financial services and reinvesting into local communities, remains one of the few financial institutions still opening — not closing — branches. It continues to combine traditional service values with modern convenience through recent digital enhancements, including a new app and online savings platform.

Swansea Building Society launches new mobile app to give members more control and convenience

Swansea Building Society has officially launched its new mobile app, providing customers with a more convenient way to manage their savings and mortgage accounts at any time and from anywhere.

The new digital service marks a significant step forward for the Society, enabling customers to transfer funds between existing Society accounts, withdraw funds to nominated accounts (subject to account terms), and set and monitor personal savings goals. The platform also gives users access to mortgage information, secure messaging with the Society’s team, and the ability to manage marketing preferences and voting options for the Society’s AGM.

In doing so, Swansea Building Society becomes the first Welsh building society to offer a dedicated savings app — another milestone in its journey to deliver greater accessibility for members across Wales and beyond.

Initially launched via the web in early April, followed by an iOS release in May, the app is now also available on Android devices. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Security has been a core focus during the app’s development, which spanned 12 to 18 months. The result is a secure, easy-to-use service that includes biometric authentication such as Face ID and Touch ID. Throughout the development process, Swansea Building Society has aimed to provide a high-quality, secure user experience while maintaining the core values that set the Society apart.

While this new service offers convenience and flexibility for customers who prefer to manage their finances digitally, it is intended to enhance — not replace — the Society’s longstanding commitment to personal, face-to-face service through its branch network.

Nick Longar, Head of IT at Swansea Building Society, said:

“We developed the app and online platform using a phased approach to ensure everything met our standards for usability and security. It’s a major advancement for the Society, giving our customers access to their accounts in a way that suits their lifestyle — all while keeping their information safe and secure.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, added:

“This launch represents a pivotal moment for us as we continue to evolve to meet our customers’ needs. Our digital service complements the personal approach that has always been central to our ethos. With this latest development, we are proud to offer more choice, more flexibility, and even better service — without compromising on what makes us different.”

The launch of the new app and online service follows the Society’s fourth consecutive year of record growth.

The Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.

Swansea Building Society celebrates record results, launches new app and donates to Prostate Cymru at AGM

On the back of posting yet another set of record-breaking results, Swansea Building Society held its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Swansea.com Stadium yesterday (Thursday, April 24). The Society also presented a substantial cheque to its new official partner charity, Prostate Cymru, donating more than a pound for every vote received.

At the well-attended event, the board of the Society presented and explained its best-ever financial performance to members. These results reflected the Society’s continued focus on supporting local communities through its growing network of branches across South Wales, alongside the benefits of an ongoing investment programme that began in 2015.

The AGM also marked the beginning of the Society’s new charity partnership with Prostate Cymru. A cheque for £2000 was presented to the charity on the day, reflecting the Society’s pledge to donate a pound for each member vote received.

In addition to reviewing its financial performance, the Society announced the successful launch of its brand-new mobile app and online service, which now allows customers to open a savings account and manage their finances at their convenience. This development was highlighted as an enhancement — rather than a replacement — of the Society’s highly valued face-to-face service through its local branch network.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We were delighted to report another record set of results and to celebrate them in the company of our members at this year’s AGM. Our record asset growth, supported by strong profitability, has further strengthened our foundations for sustainable future growth.

“Alongside our financial achievements, we have continued to invest in the Society to ensure it remains modern, relevant, and accessible. The launch of our new app and online savings service is a key part of this — giving members the convenience of managing their money in the way that suits them best.

“That said, we remain absolutely passionate about our objective of opening and not closing branches, preserving personal, face-to-face service for those who prefer it. The app is designed to complement this, not replace it.

“Our continued growth and high levels of customer satisfaction reflect the care and dedication of our team, and I am proud of the positive difference we continue to make to our members and our local communities.”

The Society achieved double digit growth in its total assets, mortgages, savings and capital for the fourth year running, despite the difficult economic environment.

For the year to December 31, 2024, total assets and savings both grew by 14%, while mortgages grew by 11%. Total assets increased by £86.7m to £693.7 million and savings balances increased by £81.8 million to £647.3 million, while mortgage balances grew by £52.3million to £530.1 million, driven by gross mortgage completions of £111.0 million.

The Society’s growth was supported by record profits before tax of £6.3 million, beating the previous record of £6.2 million achieved in 2023. This increased the Society’s capital reserves by 12% to £44.5 million. This is vitally important, as it provides greater reserves to support members achieve their financial goals.

The Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.

Swansea Building Society celebrates long-serving employee’s 35-year milestone

Swansea Building Society employee, Julie Keane, is celebrating a significant milestone as its longest currently serving member of staff, marking 35 years of dedicated service. Julie, who joined the Society in 1990, has been an integral part of its journey, witnessing its evolution from a small organisation with a single office to the thriving institution it is today.

Starting as a Chief Cashier before transitioning into her current role as a Cashier following the birth of her children, Julie has played a key role in serving the Society’s members with warmth and professionalism for three and a half decades. Reflecting on her tenure, she recalls the early days when the Society operated solely from its Cradock Street head office with a team of just 15 staff members. “Back then, we had no branches and only one computer in the Savings Department, which we had to queue to use if the counter was busy,” she reminisces.

Over the years, Julie has witnessed the Society’s tremendous growth, with the expansion of its branch network setting it apart in an era where many financial institutions are closing branches and reducing staff numbers. “It’s wonderful to be part of an organisation that is growing rather than shrinking – opening and not closing branches. Swansea Building Society’s commitment to personal service and community banking is something I’m proud to be associated with.”

Julie describes the Society as her ‘work family,’ a place where management and colleagues have been supportive through all stages of her life. “During my time here, I’ve gotten married, had two children, and sadly lost both my parents. Through it all, the Society has been there for me, providing not just a job, but a place where I feel valued and supported.”

She also fondly remembers two former colleagues, Neil Rosser and Adrian Hawes, who both dedicated many years to the Society before retiring. “They were like the main pillars of the Society, and I owe much of my work ethic to them. They set a fantastic example for me and other staff.”

Julie attributes much of the Society’s success to current Chief Executive, Alun Williams, and his leadership team. “The growth and success of Swansea Building Society are largely due to Alun and the fantastic team behind him. Their vision and dedication have transformed the Society into what it is today.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Julie’s dedication and commitment to the Society over the past 35 years have been truly outstanding. She has been a key part of our journey, providing exceptional service to our members and embracing the changes that have come with our growth. We are incredibly grateful for her loyalty and hard work, and we congratulate her on this remarkable milestone.”

Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Mumbles, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, was founded as a mutual Building Society in February 1923. The Society’s principal objective has always been the provision of loans secured on residential property for the use of customers. These loans are funded by personal savings deposited in a variety of savings accounts offered by the Society. The Society is one of only three remaining mutual Building Societies in Wales and the only Building Society or Bank with its headquarters in South West Wales.

Swansea Building Society celebrates long-serving employee’s 35-year milestone

Swansea Building Society employee, Julie Keane, is celebrating a significant milestone as its longest currently serving member of staff, marking 35 years of dedicated service. Julie, who joined the Society in 1990, has been an integral part of its journey, witnessing its evolution from a small organisation with a single office to the thriving institution it is today.

Starting as a Chief Cashier before transitioning into her current role as a Cashier following the birth of her children, Julie has played a key role in serving the Society’s members with warmth and professionalism for three and a half decades. Reflecting on her tenure, she recalls the early days when the Society operated solely from its Cradock Street head office with a team of just 15 staff members. “Back then, we had no branches and only one computer in the Savings Department, which we had to queue to use if the counter was busy,” she reminisces.

Over the years, Julie has witnessed the Society’s tremendous growth, with the expansion of its branch network setting it apart in an era where many financial institutions are closing branches and reducing staff numbers. “It’s wonderful to be part of an organisation that is growing rather than shrinking – opening and not closing branches. Swansea Building Society’s commitment to personal service and community banking is something I’m proud to be associated with.”

Julie describes the Society as her ‘work family,’ a place where management and colleagues have been supportive through all stages of her life. “During my time here, I’ve gotten married, had two children, and sadly lost both my parents. Through it all, the Society has been there for me, providing not just a job, but a place where I feel valued and supported.”

She also fondly remembers two former colleagues, Neil Rosser and Adrian Hawes, who both dedicated many years to the Society before retiring. “They were like the main pillars of the Society, and I owe much of my work ethic to them. They set a fantastic example for me and other staff.”

Julie attributes much of the Society’s success to current Chief Executive, Alun Williams, and his leadership team. “The growth and success of Swansea Building Society are largely due to Alun and the fantastic team behind him. Their vision and dedication have transformed the Society into what it is today.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Julie’s dedication and commitment to the Society over the past 35 years have been truly outstanding. She has been a key part of our journey, providing exceptional service to our members and embracing the changes that have come with our growth. We are incredibly grateful for her loyalty and hard work, and we congratulate her on this remarkable milestone.”

Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Mumbles, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, was founded as a mutual Building Society in February 1923. The Society’s principal objective has always been the provision of loans secured on residential property for the use of customers. These loans are funded by personal savings deposited in a variety of savings accounts offered by the Society. The Society is one of only three remaining mutual Building Societies in Wales and the only Building Society or Bank with its headquarters in South West Wales.

Swansea Building Society expands tree-planting efforts to support local woodland

Swansea Building Society is strengthening its commitment to sustainability by planting over 800 native trees and shrubs at Penllergare Valley Woods. Taking place on Monday, March 10, and Thursday, March 13, 2025, this initiative supports local biodiversity and the restoration of this cherished woodland.

A team of 28 Swansea Building Society staff members took part in the initiative over the two days, which also included the clearance of invasive non-native plant species such as rhododendron and laurel. This effort follows the Society’s contribution during its centenary year in 2023, when it planted 100 trees, including sessile oak, rowan, and hazel, to support wildlife and increase biodiversity in the valley.

The Penllergare Trust, a registered charity formed in 2000 by local volunteers, is dedicated to maintaining, restoring, and conserving the historically and ecologically significant Penllergare Valley Woods. Spanning 275 acres, the site serves as a crucial green corridor linking the ecologically rich Gower Peninsula to the rest of Wales, while also providing a valuable natural space for the community.

The estate is maintained by a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers alongside a small staff team. Their efforts were nationally recognised in 2016 when they received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Trust is further supported by the Friends of Penllergare organisation, which raises funds through memberships and fundraising activities.

Welcoming over 120,000 visitors each year, Penllergare Valley Woods is an essential recreational and conservation area that has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Green Flag Award.

Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Mumbles, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, was founded as a mutual Building Society in February 1923. The Society’s principal objective has always been the provision of loans secured on residential property for the use of customers. These loans are funded by personal savings deposited in a variety of savings accounts offered by the Society. The Society is one of only three remaining mutual Building Societies in Wales and the only Building Society or Bank with its headquarters in South West Wales.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are proud to build upon our previous efforts to enhance biodiversity at Penllergare Valley Woods. Planting 800 native trees and tackling invasive species will help preserve this historic and ecologically vital landscape. As a mutual organisation, we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities and their natural environments. We hope our contribution will make a lasting difference for both wildlife and visitors alike.”

Lee Turner, General Manager of the Penllergare Trust, added:

“The support from Swansea Building Society is invaluable in our mission to protect and restore Penllergare Valley Woods. Their ongoing commitment helps us create a healthier ecosystem by introducing native trees and tackling the challenges posed by invasive species. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication to conservation and the local community.”

Swansea Building Society delivers record results

Swansea Building Society has achieved the highest growth in total assets and saving balances in its history, supported by record profits.

The Society achieved double digit growth in its total assets, mortgages, savings and capital for the fourth year running, despite the difficult economic environment.

For the year to December 31, 2024, total assets and savings both grew by 14%, while mortgages grew by 11%. Total assets increased by £86.7m to £693.7 million and savings balances increased by £81.8 million to £647.3 million, while mortgage balances grew by £52.3million to £530.1 million, driven by gross mortgage completions of £111.0 million.

The Society’s growth was supported by record profits before tax of £6.3 million, beating the previous record of £6.2 million achieved in 2023. This increased the Society’s capital reserves by 12% to £44.5 million. This is vitally important, as it provides greater reserves to support members achieve their financial goals.

The Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“The Society has continued to meet the needs of both savers and borrowers, while delivering another record set of results. Our record asset growth supported by record profitability has further strengthened our foundations for future sustainable growth in order that we can help more members to buy their own home or reach their financial savings goals. This has been achieved while investing in the Society to ensure it remains sustainable, scalable and relevant in the future.

“I am delighted with the dedication and care shown by my colleagues to deliver the level of service our existing and new members deserve, while through our charity and volunteering work, we have supported those people in our communities who need help the most.

“The Bank base interest rate remained at a 16-year high, at 5.25% for the majority of the year, before reducing to 4.75% as at the end of December. We are mindful that many of our customers have never experienced such a high interest rate environment and were considerate of the impact that these rates could have on both new and existing borrowers.

“The economic conditions have meant that the Society’s flexible lending policy has been in high demand, and the Society exceeded its gross lending targets for the year. At the same time, our mortgage book has shown great resilience to the high interest rate environment and other cost of living pressures with our arrears statistics remaining excellent during the year. As we head into a forecast downward interest rate curve, I hope to see these pressures subside further for our mortgage borrowers.

“One of the Society’s key aims is to help savers to reach their financial goals and to deliver sustainable returns over their long relationship with us. In December 2023, we increased our savings interest rates by 0.25% without any corresponding increase in mortgage interest rates. While this decreased our net interest margin ratio for 2024, we felt it was the right thing to do for our members and has helped to deliver record growth in savings in the year.

“The Society has a very strong internal culture that reflects our purpose of serving our customers. Our people play a vital role in the continued success of the Society and our members and professional contacts benefit from dealing with loyal, motivated, and well trained staff. Our staff have once again shown the right skills, behaviours and values that have been key to the Society’s success. Every single colleague at the Society has worked hard to provide members with our usual high standard of service, and the Society’s customer satisfaction score of 98% suggests that we have continued to be successful in doing so.

“A key element of the Society’s purpose is to be socially responsible and to make a positive difference to the local community. As a member-owned business, community is close to our hearts and we offer support not only through the products and services we provide, but also by donating our time, skills, and resources. After a three-year successful and highly rewarding partnership with Maggie’s Cancer charity, we have chosen Prostate Cymru as our Charity of the year in 2025 as we look to support the vital care the charity provides in our communities.

“In 2024 we enhanced our Environmental, Social and Governance Strategy to see how we can contribute to the Wales We Want report which was a culmination of a year-long conversation with Welsh people. The Wales we Want Report asked people to discuss the Wales that they want to leave behind for their children and grandchildren, considering the challenges, aspirations and ways to solve long-term problems to create a Wales that they want by 2050. As a Mutual that has existed for 101 years and wants to continue for another 100 years, this resonated significantly with the Society.

“The Society’s future has never been brighter. In 2024 we signed a multi-proposition contract with our IT service provider as we continue our digital transformation and embrace change by investing in our people and technology. Our members will therefore continue to see improvements in the way the Society delivers its products and services in the coming years.

“We remain fully committed to our branch network, and our objective of ‘opening and not closing branches’. We will continue to support mortgage niches which the wider mortgage market lacks the resources or knowledge to do so.

“I would like to thank all my colleagues for their contribution to a record performance in 2024, and I look forward to delivering on our plans in 2025 as we continue to look after the needs of our members and communities.”

The Society will hold its annual general meeting at the Swansea.Com stadium on Thursday 24th April 2025. Members can vote ahead of that meeting or attend the meeting in person and the Society will donate a pound to Prostate Cymru for every vote received.

Swansea Building Society names Prostate Cymru as 2025 charity partner

Swansea Building Society has revealed Prostate Cymru as its chosen charity of the year for 2025. Through various events and initiatives, the Society aims to raise £25,000 to support the charity’s essential work in raising awareness and improving outcomes for those affected by prostate cancer.

One of the reasons Prostate Cymru was chosen as the Society’s charity of the year is due to its personal significance to the organisation. In April 2024, Martin Lewis, the Society’s Area Manager for England, along with the husband of one of the Society’s cashiers, were both diagnosed with prostate cancer after attending a Prostate Cymru test day held in conjunction with Swansea City Football Club. Neither had experienced any prior symptoms.

Mr Lewis, who is currently undergoing treatment while continuing to work, has shared his story to highlight the importance of early detection. “Attending the Prostate Cymru test day was possibly one of the most important decisions of my life – though I didn’t know it at the time,” he explained. “Like many men, I had no symptoms and wouldn’t have thought to get tested. I urge others not to wait for symptoms – getting tested could make all the difference.”

Through the partnership, Swansea Building Society aims to support the charity’s plans to extend the PSA blood test days across South Wales, ensuring more individuals have access to potentially life-saving early detection.

As part of its fundraising efforts during 2025, the Society aims to field teams in the Swansea Half Marathon and the Ray Murray Golf Day. The Society will also proudly sponsor the Blue Tie Ball, hosted by Prostate Cymru at the Vale Resort on February 14, 2025. Additional fundraising events will be held throughout the year to support the charity’s initiatives, which focus on raising awareness, funding research, and delivering the PSA blood test events across Wales.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said: “Prostate Cymru’s work resonates deeply with us as an organisation, especially following the experiences of our colleague Martin and a family member of one of our team. This partnership represents our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities. By raising funds and awareness, we hope to help more individuals detect and treat this disease early, while also contributing to the incredible work Prostate Cymru does across Wales.”

Prostate Cymru is dedicated to improving awareness of prostate health and ensuring men have access to vital testing and support. Swansea Building Society, which has a renowned reputation for supporting numerous local charities and initiatives, will work closely with the charity throughout 2025 to make a lasting impact on the communities it serves.