Celebrating 160 Years

Of Success

2020 marks the 160th birthday of the Marsden Building Society. Sarah Varley looks at the community-focused history and future of Lancashire’s largest building society

On 29th February 1860, a group of local businessmen met at the house of Thomas Holland in Nelson, Lancashire, and after conversation turned to the scarcity of cottages in the neighbourhood and the pressing demand for suitable dwellings for its rapidly increasing population, a decision was made. They would establish the Great and Little Marsden Permanent Building Society, named after the suburbs of Nelson at the time, and on 8th May the Society came into formal existence.

Members paid a monthly subscription to pool funds together and finance the building of houses for members. This, in turn, attracted more funding, which enabled more houses to be built and so membership grew. One hundred and sixty years later, the Marsden Building Society is now recognised as the county’s largest building society and continues to operate for the benefit of its members.

Hitting a milestone in 2018, increasing its business to over half a billion pounds, the Society continues to grow, attracting new members every day. As well as digital services, members value the traditional, friendly and personal face-to-face service available from staff who are on hand at the eight branches in Burnley, Barrowford, Clitheroe, Colne, Garstang, Lytham, Nelson and Poulton.

The Marsden continues to support its members with their savings, mortgages, home insurance and life planning, as well as widening their product range to support first time buyers and those looking to borrow into retirement.

As well as supporting its members, the Marsden also places great importance on supporting the community, attending local shows and sponsoring local causes. This year they’ll be out talking to members at the Garstang Agricultural Show, the Great Eccleston Show, Clitheroe Food Festival and the Royal Lancashire Show.

The Marsden also supports local charities through their affinity savings accounts, paying a donation to charity for every £1 members save. Based on 0.50 per cent of total average affinity balances from 2007-2018, along with their members, they’ve raised an amazing £273,233.81 for North West Air Ambulance, £117,658.81 for Pendleside Hospice and £14,901 for Burnley Football Club in the Community.

“Our founders wanted to build something better for the community and that is still our goal today,” said Rob Pheasey, Chief Executive of the Marsden. “We’re proud of the roots we’ve laid down in Lancashire, and just how far we’ve come. We’ve got great things planned for our future, starting with celebrating our 160th birthday with an open week in our branches from the 24th to 29th February. There will be drinks, nibbles and activities to take part in so we hope you’ll join us to celebrate.”

To find out more about the services the Marsden offer, visit their website or your local branch in Barrowford, Burnley, Clitheroe, Colne, Garstang, Lytham, Nelson or Poulton

OPEN WEEK CELEBRATION
24th – 29th February 2020
To celebrate the Marsden Building Society’s 160th birthday there will be an open week in all their branches.
Call in to join in the celebrations!

01282 440500
themarsden.co.uk

Comments

comments

Tedd Walmsley

Be the first to know

To get exclusive news, be the first to know about our special offers and competitions, sign up to Live Magazines for FREE.

Tedd Walmsley managing director of Live Magazines shares his views on the latest topics in media.

Follow him on Twitter and connect with him on LinkedIn to join the conversation