Manchester Building Society, which recently announced the relaunch of its brand and its return to the high streets of the North West, has appointed Deborah Walker as its senior executive in the region.
Previously Head of Financial & Professional Services at MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency, Deborah has joined Manchester Building Society as Development Director to deliver better financial access for the people and places of Greater Manchester.
She will be responsible for the launch of the first Manchester building society branch on King Street in the city centre, whilst building strong community connections and a deep understanding of Greater Manchester’s financial services requirements.
Deborah has worked in Manchester her entire career, which spans more than 30 years and is a vocal advocate for the city region and its potential. Prior to joining MIDAS, she held roles at financial and professional services firms, including HSBC and DWF, as well as in the higher education sector and at a housing association. Deborah was instrumental in the development of legal apprenticeships in the city and in the scale up of the city's Housing First homeless pilot. Creating social value has been a key theme across her career.
Manchester Building Society merged with Newcastle Building Society in 2023. Following the merger, Deborah’s appointment is a major step towards bringing the Manchester brand back to the people and communities of the North West, echoing Newcastle’s successful approach to community-led expansion of branch locations pioneered in the North East.
Deborah said: “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.
“While we have a stated aim to open new branches, we will be taking our time to understand what will work best on high streets across the region. Our approach will be authentically Greater Manchester, but we’ll also be taking inspiration from the North East’s innovative partnership model which sees branches opening in locations like libraries and community hubs.”
Andrew Haigh, Manchester Building Society Chief Executive said: “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.”
Manchester Building Society’s first new branch is set to open at 74 King Street in the city centre later in the year.