Skipton Group's 'unrivalled insight' into housing market can help more people get on property ladder, says CEO

Mr Haire, who took on his new role in January, was previously CEO for HSBC’s personal and private banking. This included responsibility for HSBC UK, First Direct, M&S Bank and John Lewis Financial Services. He also sat on the M&S Bank Board.

In 2022, Skipton Group’s profits increased by 9.9 per cent to £298.8m while the society’s membership grew by 5.0 per cent to 1.14m. Mr Haire said he was keen to help more people get on the property ladder, adding: “We have got the largest estate agency in the country; we have a unique position in the market to advocate for change.”

In its annual results, Skipton said it had a solid, sustainable platform for uncertain times, with strong liquidity levels which are well above regulatory limits. Skipton is the UK’s fourth largest building society, with a national presence represented by its network of 87 branches.

The statement added: “As a member-owned business, where the long-term best interests of members and customers are the priority, rather

than profit maximisation for shareholders, Skipton has shared more of its financial success with members, communities and colleagues than ever before.”

Mr Haire added: “As Skipton’s new group chief executive, the attraction of this role was the opportunity to leverage Skipton’s Group structure, unique business mix and mutual status to help support our society members and group customers now and in the future. Our performance in 2022 casts no doubt on just how valued member-ownership is, particularly during such unprecedented times for people.

"Just two months into my role I can clearly see why more people are coming to Skipton and developing deeper relationships with us to help them secure their financial futures. I can also see opportunity to work with my colleagues across the group to do even more, and for us to further harness the size, depth and experience within the Skipton Group, to be a powerful voice for driving positive societal change.”

"We have unrivalled insight into the UK housing market, expertise in savings and financial advice, coupled with a financially strong, resilient, and growing core business.

"We also hold ourselves to the highest standards of personal accountability in authentically and impactfully steering positive social and environmental change; there’s arguably never been a more pertinent time to showcase just what mutuality means and what it delivers for society.”

During the year, the group made charitable donations of more than £1.3m, including support from Connells’ group of £0.5m to the victims of the conflict in Ukraine. Donations were also made to the Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation and through Skipton’s Community Giving scheme.