About the Cheshire FAQs
What is Mutuality?
The principle of mutuality was behind the establishment of collective associations in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Through these associations people came together to do business with each other. The underlying ethic was a moral one; the association's aims were not about the pursuit of profit.
Does anyone else benefit?
The philosophy of mutuality is expressed in the culture of The Cheshire and in the way in which it carries out its business.
The Cheshire’s strategy for profit optimisation means that it identifies the level of profit it needs in order to continue to successfully develop the business. Any additional profit is given back to customers in the form of Member Benefits.
However, the fact that the Cheshire does not strive to maximise profit is not an excuse to be inefficient. Mutuality means that the Cheshire constantly strives to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.
The Cheshire has an active Community Support Programme that supports many charitable causes in the North West of England. As a regional society one of the Cheshire’s strengths is its identity with the local area. This is an important part of mutuality and one which Cheshire Building Society tries to deliver though the successful Community Support Programme.
For how long have you been mutual?
The forerunner of Cheshire Building Society, the Cheshire Permanent Benefit Building Society, was founded as a mutual organisation in the thriving, silk manufacturing centre of Macclesfield in 1870.
How long are you planning to be mutual?
For over 130 years Cheshire Building Society has provided services that have been mutually beneficial for all its members. The Cheshire firmly believes that mutuality is in the best interests of its members and has no intention of changing that position.
How can I apply for a job with the Cheshire?
Please visit our Careers area of the website for full details on the Cheshire's vacancies and recruitment process.
Does the Cheshire have an Estate Agency?
Yes we do. Cheshire Estate Agency is based in 14 of our Building Society branches and organises the purchase, sale and rental of houses across Cheshire, Buxton and Deeside. You can see our full portfolio of properties by visiting the Cheshire Estate Agency area of our website.
Where are your branches based?
Cheshire Building Society has 45 branches across Cheshire, Buxton and Deeside with 14 of our offices offering Estate Agency Srvices. You can view a map of our branches by viewing our Branch Locator.
Who is your Chief Executive?
The Cheshire's Chief Executive is Karen McCormack who is the only female Building Society Chief Executive in the UK. Karen won the prestigous Most Inspiring Woman Award on behalf of the Cheshire in June 2008.
Does the Society hold an AGM?
The Society does hold an AGM where members are invited to vote on a variety of topics. The Cheshire's 137th AGM took place on 22nd April 2008 at Capesthorne Hall in Macclesfield.
Does the Society publish its annual reports and accounts?
Please find a selection of financial reports in our Group Information area of the website.
How do I contact your Press Office?
Visit the Media area of our website where you can find all the neccessary contact details for our Press Office team as well as all the latest press releases from the Cheshire.
How do I present a business proposal to the Cheshire?
Please contact us via email using the Cheshire's contact form. Your email will then be forwarded onto the relevant department.
Does the Society provide a service to customers outside of Cheshire?
Yes - you don't have to reside in Cheshire to take advantage of the Cheshire's product range. You can apply for Cheshire products either online, via our contact centre, in some cases by post or in branch. Please note some products are not available via all channels, you must check the product details to see which channels supply your chosen product.
What type of products does the Cheshire offer?
We offer a wide range of products including but not exclusive to:
- Mortgages
- Savings & Investment
- Loans
- Credit Card
- Estate Agency
- Conveyancing
- Insurance
- Financial Planning and Pensions.
Please note that some products are provided via third party providers.
Has the Society won any awards?
The Society has won a host of awards during 2008. Please visit our awards area of the website for full details.
