29th October 2026 • The HERALD • Page 67 v THE HERALD - SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS v ASK A PROFESSIONAL Leeds Building Society has committed to keeping its Southampton branch open until at least September 2031 as part of a series of new promises designed to give members greater certainty about the service and support they can expect in the years ahead. e commitment forms part of a nationwide pledge to keep all 51 Leeds Building Society branches open until at least September 2031, alongside a promise that branches will remain open every weekday from 9.30am to 4.45pm with no appointment needed. As part of the announcement, Leeds Building Society has also promised that: • Members will always be able to speak to someone, either by visiting the Society’s branches or calling to discuss. • The Society will not offer any savings accounts that are only for new customers. Existing savers will also receive exclusive savings opportunities, rewarding them for their loyalty. Including a newly launched Branch Regular Saver product with an interest rate of 6.50%. • The Society will aim to pay more than the market average savings rate. Over the last ten years, the Society has paid an average savings rate of 2.26% compared to the rest of the market average savings rate of 1.49%, meaning more interest in savers’ pockets. • Members will be offered the best available rate for their chosen account when it matures. When given maturity instructions, the Society will lock in the rate of a member’s chosen account, or switch it to a new issue of the same account type if the rate increases before the new account starts, helping to keep members’ money working for them. e Society says the move re ects its long-term commitment to high streets and local communities at a time when many nancial services are increasingly moving online. Leeds Building Society data shows branches continue to play an important role for members of all ages. More than a quarter (29%) of savings accounts opened with the Society in the last year were opened in a branch, while almost one in ten branch users were aged 30 or under. e Society’s branch network also supports customers through initiatives such as free Fraud Clinics. e Society has committed to review its savings promises in 12 months, while branch promises will stay in place until September 2031. Graham Binns, Head of Leeds Building Society’s Branch Network, said: “We know that for many people in Southampton having access to a local branch still matters. Whether it’s opening a savings account, getting help to protect themselves from fraud, or simply speaking to someone face-toface, our branches provide a service that many members value. That’s why we’re making a clear commitment that our Southampton branch will remain open until at least September 2031. Alongside that, we’re making a series of wider promises that reward loyalty, provide greater certainty and ensure members can continue to access our services in the way that suits them best.” Building Society Commits To Keep Its Southampton Branch Open Leeds Building Society (Leeds Branch)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=