As we look back over the period of time since our founding in 18 75, the landscape in which we’ve operated has changed significantly. Generations have lived through world wars, space races, the advancement of science and technology, and the world has evolved beyond recognition since the start of the 20th century. Interestingly despite these shifts in lifestyle and attitudes the values of being a mutual remain at their core as they were centuries ago.

On 30th September 1875 a group of local Leicestershire businessmen gathered agreeing to the formation of what was then Melton Permanent Building Society, led by one of the first investors Captain William Adcock, our founding chairman. Since that day we’ve seen many lead the Society but what hasn’t changed, is that our business from that day until the present continues to be owned and run for the good of our members. The currency may have changed from shillings and farthings to pennies and pounds but our commitment to keeping our members’ money safe hasn’t.

Despite our commitment to mutuality being unwavering, we understand the needs of the consumer are always evolving, as are the challenges they face. As a modern mutual despite our humble origins, we continue to innovate and diversify our product range to suit the needs of today’s member and support a broader range of savers and borrowers.

It’s been heartwarming as we reflect on some of the ways we have given back to the communities in which we operate over the years. We recently celebrated 25 years of our Charitable Foundation, but contributions and action for our community is something that has been part of our being since our inception. We are proud to have a legacy of people like William Adcock and Robert Snelson who petitioned for better access to education for our communities, raising important issues on house building and affordable housing. Trailblazers of their time, the challenges and causes feel eerily familiar, and we’re proud to be able to continue to extend our support and champion causes as our founders did all those years ago.

As the building society sector celebrates 250 years in existence, what sets us apart from other financial institutions today and since our inception is our customer centric approach. Whilst big banking institutions close their doors on the high street, our branch doors remain firmly open, as we listen to the feedback from the public on the need for face-toface financial services in their towns and cities.

As recently as 2023 we were delighted to open two new locations, welcoming the people of Stamford and Bourne to Melton Building Society. The model of being a mutual enables us to evolve our business to suit the needs of our members, and champion for our communities through our relationships with other Societies, our local connections and the support and guidance provided by the Buildings Societies Association.

Although the Society formed 150 years ago in 1875 looks on the surface to be a very different one, our core values remain unchanged. The passage of time has pushed everyone in the sector including Melton Building Society to evolve but our passion for supporting and doing the right thing for our customers and communities remains steadfast and we’re confident we’ll stay true to these values for centuries to come.

Find out more
Visit The Melton’s website: www.themelton.co.uk/community-support/