Yorkshire Building Society
The Yorkshire Building Society (YBS) holds a significant and historic place in Huddersfield, as the town is considered the birthplace of one of its founding organisations. The society traces its roots back to the Huddersfield Equitable Permanent Benefit Building Society, which was established in 1864 by three local gentlemen—a dentist, a shoemaker, and a plumber—who met early each morning in a single room to help people secure their own homes. This original, mutual ethos of “real help with real life” is still central to the YBS Group’s modern operation, providing essential financial products like mortgages and a variety of savings accounts, including Cash ISAs and fixed-rate bonds, to its members in Huddersfield and across the UK.
Beyond its core financial services, the Yorkshire Building Society is actively involved in the local Huddersfield community, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to social well-being. The society’s Charitable Foundation, often powered by member and colleague donations through the Small Change Big Difference® scheme, provides grants to smaller local charities and good causes. Furthermore, the Huddersfield branch actively supports initiatives like the partnership with Citizens Advice, hosting expert advisers to offer free, confidential guidance to both customers and non-customers on issues ranging from money to legal and consumer problems.
Colleagues at the Huddersfield branch frequently engage in local fundraising and volunteering efforts, reinforcing the society’s connection to the town. For instance, staff have participated in challenging events like the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for charity partners such as FareShare, which fights hunger and food waste. Additionally, the society promotes financial literacy through its Money Minds programme, where colleagues volunteer to teach young people about money and careers. This combination of historic ties, accessible financial services, and dedicated community engagement positions the Yorkshire Building Society as a positive and contributing presence within the Huddersfield area.
