Friday 3 May2019                      PRESS RELEASE

Beverley Building Society branding facelift signals both its heritage and future commitment to its members and their community

Beverley Building Society has today unveiled its new branding - designed to balance a more modern, fresh look with reflecting its rich heritage as one of the UK's first building societies.

Featuring heritage colours such as bronze, dark and light grey, and cream, the Society's new logo sports a circular date stamp in reflection of its long standing.

It also incorporates the new strapline ‘Building Better Futures', in reflection of the Beverley's founding purpose of helping ordinary people to own their own homes - as well as its commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates.

The new branding was announced to members in a freshly-designed AGM magazine, and is being implemented gradually from today. The first things members will notice will be new stationary, in-branch displays, a new photography style and updated website. Following shortly will be a new website and, in the next few months, a refit of the Society's branch and head office.

Society Chief Executive Karl Elliott said: "Our existing branding had become dated and we saw the opportunity to modernise the look and feel.

"We've witnessed the transition from horse-drawn cards to motor cars and withstood two world wars and several recessions, including the most serious ever global financial crisis.

"During all that time, we've remained financially strong by focusing on lending to borrowers the funds our savers invest with us, and offering both groups a way of realising some of their financial ambitions."

He added: "Not everything will change overnight as we have to decided to implement the changes bit by bit in order to minimise wastage and take the time to get things right.

The inspiration for the Beverley's new look was ‘cool heritage' and it researched how other brands loved by its members - from quality retailers and independent shops to cosy cafes - present themselves.

"We know that what our customers value most about the Beverley, is the quality, personal service we offer. Our new branding reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining that - and our drive to ensure that dealing with us remains as comfortable as visiting their favourite coffee shop," added Karl.

To make sure it struck the right balance, the Society started by asking our members what they thought. Their main feedback was: ‘We love your new look, so long as you don't change a thing about how you do what you do, and the personal touch we love so much!'.

Members also said that the Society's rich heritage and stability as a financial institution that has stood the test of time, is hugely important to them. Hence why the Society's date of establishment is so strongly highlighted in the new logo.

And, according to Karl, the branding is just the tip of the iceberg.

"The branding symbolises everything we stand for and the process of creating it has involved thinking about how we can remain relevant for the next 10 years.

"As a mutual, we were established to help ordinary people buy their own homes when that wasn't financially possible. We continue to reflect that social purpose through our mortgage lending but are also keen to look at new ways of meeting the needs of people in our East Yorkshire heartland and beyond, by working on things like a new community giving strategy in the year ahead.

"So, watch this space, Beverley Building Society is entering an exciting new era!"

Member Dawn Overton said: "It's great. The brand is ready for an update and I love the colours the Society has chosen.

"They reflect the quality but are modern, warm and vibrant too. The reference to the founding date is very important because knowing the Society has stood the test of time is important in this modern age, where people no longer trust financial organisations as much as they used to."

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Tracy Fletcher of By Tracy Fletcher Ltd PR, viatracy@bytracyfletcher.comor 07983 633385.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Beverley is the only independent building society in East Yorkshire. We have been supporting our community since 1866 and are committed to contributing to the vibrancy of our region by making a difference.

As a true independent, we are committed to living mutuality by building better futures for our members, new and existing borrowers and savers, our people, our community and our sector at large.

We're powered by highly committed colleagues who go over and above, every day, to offer our customers quality, friendly, personal service.

In an age where the financial services market is moving, at pace, towards AI-powered, automated solutions, we believe there is a place for people-centred financial services and are passionate about maintaining that personal touch.

We aim to make enough profit to ensure the Society is financially strong and sustainable, and can invest in continual product and service improvements for our members. We do not pay staff bonuses and all our profits are re-invested to support this goal.