Stockport-based mutual, Vernon Building Society, has been shortlisted for Medium Business of the Year at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) Excellence Awards 2026.
The shortlisting follows steady and sustainable growth for the Vernon through 2025, while maintaining personal service, which is reflected in its member feedback with a 98.2% satisfaction score.
Growth for the building society has also been coupled with increased community impact. Last year, 1,736 students received financial education through a partnership with WizeUp, colleagues volunteered more than a combined 100 days of their time, and over £37,000 was awarded to charities and grassroots groups through the Vernon’s Charitable Foundation and Community Stars programme. More than 900 people also used a free community meeting space at the building society’s St Petersgate branch.
Additionally, the Vernon has also continued its investment in its colleagues and branch network after being named Employer of the Year for both Stockport and the North West last year, alongside achieving accreditation from the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, with 15% of staff working towards professional qualifications.
With recent investment in its branch network, a celebration of 40 years in Bramhall and plans to open the Vernon’s first community branch outside Stockport, the building society is continuing to back local high streets and communities it operates in.
Announcing the shortlisting on the Vernon Building Society website, the Stockport mutual wrote:
“Congratulations to all the other finalists – it’s inspiring to be recognised alongside so many organisations making a positive difference across Greater Manchester.”
GMCC Excellence Awards winners will be announced on 25th September 2026.
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