Vernon Building Society increased total assets to £534m in 2025, while reporting profit before tax of £2.8m and further growth in both its mortgage book and retail savings balances.

The Stockport-based mutual said total assets rose by 5.4% from £506m in 2024, as it continued to expand lending and attract new savers across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Its mortgage book grew by 4.6% to £439.5m during the year, while retail savings balances increased by 6.2% to £474.9m after the society brought in £28m in new savings.

Vernon said demand also continued to grow for its specialist lending proposition, which supports borrowers whose circumstances may not fit the criteria of larger lenders.

The lender pointed to strong member satisfaction figures as another feature of its 2025 performance. Feedback gathered through Smart Money People delivered an overall satisfaction score of 98.2% and a Net Promoter Score of 92.

The society also retained its five-star rating in the Smart Money People Lender Benchmark Survey for the support it provides to mortgage brokers and their clients.

Alongside its financial results, Vernon highlighted recognition for its employment practices and community work during the year. It was named employer of the year for both Stockport and the North West and secured accreditation from the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.

Colleagues contributed more than 100 days of volunteering, while the society said its charitable programmes supported more than 50 organisations across the region. Its financial education initiatives also reached more than 1,700 students.

“Our lending growth shows there is real demand for a human, flexible approach that many larger lenders aren’t providing”

Darren Ditchburn, chief executive of Vernon Building Society, said: “In a year when many households were still feeling the squeeze, we’ve continued to grow carefully, support more borrowers and offer competitive and good value savings products.

“Our lending growth shows there is real demand for a human, flexible approach that many larger lenders aren’t providing.”

Ditchburn said the mutual would continue investing this year across lending, savings, digital services and its branch network.

He said: “In 2026, we’ll continue to invest in the future of the Society, from specialist mortgages and competitive savings accounts to enhanced digital services and community branches, all while staying true to our mutual values.”

During the year, Vernon also marked 40 years on Bramhall high street and launched its first regional television advertising campaign across the North West.

Looking ahead, the society said it plans to open its first community branch outside Stockport and continue investing in technology aimed at improving the experience for members, brokers and colleagues.

The investment programme forms part of its longer-term strategy to strengthen services while maintaining what it described as its personal, relationship-led approach.