Harpenden Building Society has held its sixty-eighth AGM at 1:30pm on Friday April 23rd 2021. This years’ meeting has been held virtually online at our head office in Harpenden.
Due to the current UK Government restrictions on public gatherings and to protect the health and safety of our members, the only attendees in person were the minimum number of directors and employees (who are members) required to form a quorum. Our members who accepted the invitation to join us on Zoom, were able to view the proceedings and have the opportunity to ask questions of the Board in advance of the AGM.
2020 was of course dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic which has had an impact on everyone and every business, large or small, across the world. We continued to operate well during the last 12 months – this is in no small part because of the efforts of all our employees during the year. Our members also supported us in this endeavour with understanding and patience, and by limiting contact to essential transactions members have also helped us protect stretched resources.
We have supported 144, or 17% of mortgage borrowers, with payment deferrals during 2020 as a direct consequence of Covid-19. This continues to reduce, however, we offer support and assistance ongoing to all our borrowers during these unprecedented times. A key priority in 2020 was that of keeping our services open for members and more specifically those experiencing financial or accessibility difficulties due to the pandemic.
We are pleased that despite the challenges experienced, we have continued growth in Capital, increased the savings balances and reduced management expense costs. In 2020 we once again were announced winners of the Best Local Building Society award at the What Mortgage Awards for the sixth year running. In addition we were winners of the Best Junior/Children’s savings provider category in The Personal Finance Awards which we were delighted to achieve. Playing our part in encouraging good savings habits from an early age is very important to the Society and something we continue to support.
The Society continues its commitment to the local area through our Corporate Social Responsibility programme. We also partner with the Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF), an independent charity which encourages local philanthropy. In 2020 we assisted a number of local charities including Youth Talk, Trinity Community Project, Age UK Dacorum and Community Action Dacorum (CAD). Support was also given to local schools including Beech Hyde Association and Friend of Sauncy Wood School.
Sarah Howe, Harpenden Building Society’s Chief Executive: “All at the Society have been required to adapt to the changing circumstances. It is an understatement to say it has not been easy, however I am incredibly proud to be leading an organisation that exemplifies a deep commitment to do what is right for our members, embracing new situations and overcoming difficulties which have been most complex at times and certainly many in number. This has inevitably resulted in people working long days with absolute focus, dedication and resilience”.
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