Building society opens Aberdeen branch
Scottish Building Society – which says it is the world’s oldest such organisation – is boostingitsbricks-and-mortar presence with the opening of a £500,000 branch in Aberdeen.
The organisation has completed the refit of a three-storey office block on the corner of Union Street and Holburn Street, in a bid to support existing customers and drive new business in the region. It opens tomorrow.
Initially, it will have a staff of four, led by business relationship manager Alan Chapman
and NE business development manager Douglas Sharpe – who both have at least 30 years’ experience working in financial services.
Mr Chapman said: “It seems counter-intuitive to be opening offices at a time when the world seems to be going online. However, given we have thousands of members in the North-east, we want to ensure they get the best of both worlds – the opportunity to talk to us face to face if theywish,oruseourdigitaland mortgage savings service SBS online.
“Our traditional approach to how we treat our new and existing members is one we take great pride in and this, combined with digital capability, will continue to keep the society relevant.”
Mr Sharpe said the society acknowledged the different challenges faced in the region, particularly in the oil industry. He added: “We are currently seeing a strong demand for self-build mortgages, particularly across the North-east, one of only a few lenders in this segment.
“Our commitment to firsttime buyers remains, including the provision of guarantor mortgages to help them on the property ladder or for students as an alternative to renting.”