Debs is back in town

We’ve got exciting news to share, Manchester Building Society is officially back, and we’re absolutely thrilled to welcome a well-known local leader to help us write our next chapter. Say hello to Deborah Walker, our new Development Director, and the driving force behind our return to the high streets of Greater Manchester.

Deborah’s name will be familiar to many. She’s spent over 30 years championing Manchester, most recently at MIDAS, the city’s inward investment agency and has worked across financial services, housing, education, and social value projects that have changed lives. Whether scaling up apprenticeships or supporting people experiencing homelessness, Deborah brings a rare mix of heart and strategy to everything she does.

Now, she’s bringing that energy to us. Her mission? To help us reconnect with the people and communities of the North West and ensure our return is built on real relationships, real support, and a real understanding of what local people need from their building society.

As Deborah puts it:

“We’re on a mission to bring back the beloved Manchester Building Society brand. In a climate where branches are closing and services are moving online, people are crying out for high street support and financial advice. We’re launching a modern financial services provider that will keep pace with the digital revolution but also offer a deep human connection."

“We will be there for communities, offering products and services that people need and face-to-face advice that supports them through life’s biggest changes and challenges."

And we’re kicking things off in style with the launch of our new branch at 74 King Street in the city centre later this year. But this isn’t just about bricks and mortar. With Deborah leading the way, we’re looking at fresh ideas for how we show up in our communities, inspired by the brilliant branch-in-library model pioneered by Newcastle Building Society in the North East.

After our merger with Newcastle in 2023, we knew we wanted to bring the same community-first spirit to our home turf. Deborah’s appointment is a big step in that journey. As our Chief Executive Andrew Haigh puts it:

“We’re thrilled to have a leader of Deborah’s calibre spearheading Manchester Building Society’s investment in the North West. She brings a perfect combination of financial services expertise and frontline experience in Greater Manchester with both commercial and not-for-profit organisations.”

“Deborah understands Mancunians, local issues and the regional policy agenda and operates with huge amounts of passion and drive. We look forward to continuing to expand the team under her leadership ensuring that as we grow, we respond to the needs and aspirations of the people of Greater Manchester.”

This isn’t just a relaunch for us, it’s a homecoming. And with Deborah at the helm, we’re building something truly Manc: practical, proud, and full of heart.

Stay tuned, Manchester Building Society is back where it belongs. And we’re just getting started.