Vernon Building Society held a community event to unveil its new £150,000 refurbishment in Hazel Grove.
The event was attended by members, local charity Pure Innovations, Vernon colleagues and its famous mascot, Vernon Bear.
Six weeks of hard draft was carried out by local contractors, Monks Morton Design Interiors, Flexible Office and Sharp. Together they have updated and modernised the entire interior and added new digital screens in the window in order to create a better experience for all.
Vernon’s investment to the London Road branch, which opened in 1979, marks its long-standing commitment to providing face-to-face financial support for its members.
In March, Vernon refurbished its Reddish branch, and it expects to commence the modernisation of the St Petersgate branch in Stockport centre by the end of the year.
Commitment
Steve Fletcher, chief executive at the Vernon, said: “I’m delighted to reopen Vernon’s Hazel Grove branch. It looks fantastic, and I’m sure our members and colleagues will value the changes that we’ve made.
“Vernon opened this branch in Hazel Grove 44 years ago, and we’re just as committed as we were back then to providing customer financial support around mortgages and savings.
“Managing one’s finances today can feel more complicated than ever with so much choice and conflicting information out there. We know our Members value walking into a branch to chat with a qualified person, rather than being put on hold in an overseas call centre. That’s why we’re investing in our branches this year and will continue to do so whilst so many other banks and building societies are closing them down.”
Long-time member
At the opening event, long-time member Mr Winder was asked to cut a ribbon to officially open the newly refurbished branch. He has had a personal account with Vernon since 1997 and a Clubs and Charities account since 2010 for his local allotment association.
He said: “Thirteen years ago I walked down the high street here to find a bank for our Association and no one would have us. Vernon welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve never looked back. They always have time for you.”
