The Cumberland Building Society says it is well positioned to continue backing businesses across its heartland in 2026, following a year of steady expansion and broader commercial activity.

The mutual, which has more than two decades of experience supporting hospitality operators, extended its commercial proposition during 2025 to serve organisations in the food and drink, professional services and healthcare sectors.

Over the course of the year, The Cumberland supported more than 300 organisations through its relationship-led approach, providing mortgages, current accounts and business savings accounts across Cumbria, the North East, Lancashire and south-west Scotland.

Among the businesses supported were Ambleside-based family-run Garside Butchers, which secured its own premises for the first time, Breamish Valley Cottages in Northumberland, which opened a new spa facility, and Hawthorn Education Services, Lancashire’s largest private specialist education provider.

The building society said its approach, branded internally as Kinder Banking, is designed to place long-term relationships at the centre of its commercial activity, particularly demonstrate its role in supporting local communities.

Looking ahead to 2026, The Cumberland said it remains committed to working with organisations as they navigate a challenging economic environment, with a focus on helping businesses achieve their ambitions while sustaining the regions in which they operate.

Scott McKerracher, head of commercial at The Cumberland Building Society, said: “Assisting businesses that support their communities has been central to The Cumberland’s ethos, and we’re proud to have helped a range or organisations across our operating area.

“We believe commercial banking should be built on meaningful service and strong relationships. That personal, people-first approach is increasingly rare in today’s industry, and it’s one of the reasons many of our customers are attracted to The Cumberland.”