Vernon reopens Reddish branch after refurbishment

Stockport’s mutual, Vernon Building Society, has reopened its Reddish branch with a community event attended by members, local charities and mascot, Vernon Bear.

Local contractors, Monks Morton Design Interiors and Flexible Office, have completed a six-week, £150,000 refurbishment of the branch to create a better experience for members and colleagues. The investment cements the Society’s commitment to providing face-to-face financial support in the local area.

Steve Fletcher, chief executive at Vernon, said:

“The reopened branch of Vernon in Reddish looks fantastic and will serve local residents for many years to come.

“We’ve been in this building since 1981 and are committed to staying.

“Our members tell us they’re fed up with call centres that leave you on hold. They value Vernon’s personal approach and face-to-face service and advice on mortgages and savings.”

Dot Ashworth, local resident and treasurer at Centre Stage Theatre Company, the charity partner for Vernon in Reddish, cut the ribbon to officially reopen the branch. She said:

“The refurbishment looks great but even better is what it represents – a commitment to staying in Reddish.

“We used to have plenty of local branches, but they’ve all gone, except Vernon. When we launched our small theatre company for children and teens last year, we came straight here for the Charity Club Account, which is perfect for local not-for-profits.

“Vernon has been really obliging and it’s so nice to be able to walk to our local branch. They are genuinely interested in supporting the community in Reddish – Lyndsey and Vicky from the branch even came to see our first performance of Snow White!”

The Reddish refurbishment is the first in Vernon’s branch improvement project throughout the borough during 2023.

Pictured: Vernon Building Society Chief Executive, Steve Fletcher; treasurer at Centre Stage Theatre Company, Dot Ashworth; and Vernon Bear reopen the Reddish branch of the Stockport mutual.