Danny Cranie, Chief Customer Officer
 

On 2 February 1865, a man named Thomas Kiddle co-founded a mutual society that would evolve to become the organisation we know today as Hinckley & Rugby Building Society.

Much has changed in the last 160 years, not least the core reasons behind a building society’s purpose. At that time, only freeholders could vote in elections, so most working-class people didn’t have a political voice. They also didn’t have access to the banking system, so building societies provided a safe alternative to hiding money under a mattress.

The building society revolution was no less progressive than the industrial one through which it thrived. Fuelled by the migration of families to the nation’s rapidly growing towns and cities, building societies were hailed as the engine by which the working classes could achieve the twin dreams of home ownership and political emancipation.

What has not changed in those 160 years are the core values held by Hinckley & Rugby’s founders: of supporting the aspirations and financial wellbeing of their members and of the communities in which they lived. 

True, a strong motivation of some founders was the promotion of church values, because integral to personal achievement through a building society were the principles of temperance and thrift. But our core values of yesteryear remain the same. Hinckley & Rugby has been a cornerstone of support for borrowers and savers for 160 years, and will remain so. 

Reflecting on our history, we have embraced a renewed purpose and vision to be a mutual organisation that truly reflects its members’ aims and values in today’s world. 

Centred around the phrase "We are here", we have reaffirmed our absolute support and commitment to our members, whoever they are and wherever they live. They experience this through our high quality products and services, and from the excellent personal service they have come to expect from us, and rightly deserve. 

Our “We are here” philosophy extends to the high street, with a renewed commitment to keeping our branches open. We recognise the valuable role that our branches play in our local communities, not just as a convenience but as a vital source of trusted face-to-face contact. This is particularly important to the elderly and infirm, and to other vulnerable members who have been hit hardest by the decision of many banking institutions to abandon our high streets. 

Of course, as a thoroughly modern building society, we are “here” not just physically but also virtually, delivering a comprehensive digital experience to members who prefer that. But we understand and appreciate that our customer base is composed of different personas, with different needs, and we are committed to delivering an equally excellent customer experience to ALL members.

For our communities, which are at the heart of everything our Society stands for, we are proud of our unceasing contribution to making lives better. We do this by sponsoring and supporting local charities and community groups, and through volunteering our time and resources. 

Our philosophy is represented in our branding. Integral to our refreshed brand is the Hinckley & Rugby ‘thread’, symbolising togetherness and how we connect with and support our members’ lives, values and ambitions. It is a clear representation of our deep commitment to our communities, and how that commitment is woven into the very fabric of the Society.

Find out more - visit: https://www.hrbs.co.uk/ 

This article was first published in the Spring edition of Society Matters