Lucy Winskell OBE joins Newcastle Building Society Board. August 8, 2026 Newcastle Building Society has appointed Lucy Winskell OBE as a non-executive director to its Board, strengthening the Society's governance and strategic leadership as it continues its work to connect communities with a better financial future. A highly respected business leader, lawyer and public servant, Lucy brings extensive experience spanning higher education, economic development, professional regulation and membership organisations, alongside more than 27 years of board-level and non-executive leadership experience. Lucy brings a wealth of leadership, governance and strategic development experience to the Newcastle Building Society Board. With an exceptional track record spanning higher education, financial governance, professional regulation and regional economic development, she offers deep insight into the needs of communities, organisations and stakeholders across the North East and beyond. Until 2022, Lucy was Pro Vice-Chancellor (Employability and Partnerships) at Northumbria University, where she spent 12 years leading relationships with local government and public bodies and shaping the University's contribution to regional economic, cultural and social development. She also oversaw the significant growth of Northumbria's London campus and the establishment of its Amsterdam campus. In 2022, she was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, representing His Majesty The King across the county. Prior to her university career, Lucy spent 28 years as a litigation lawyer and developed extensive expertise in governance, regulation and membership organisations through a range of senior leadership roles. Alongside more than 27 years of non-executive and chair experience, including appointments with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, North East Chamber of Commerce and North East Access to Finance, she currently serves as a non-executive commissioner at the Port of Blyth and Vice President of Community Foundation North East. Lucy was awarded an OBE in 2014 for services to higher education and the regional economy. Lucy Winskell OBE said: "I am absolutely delighted to play a part in an organisation that is so focused on supporting the people and communities it serves. Having lived in the North East all my life, I have seen at first hand the enormous contribution the Newcastle Building Society has made, and continues to make, across its region and the wider North of England. "The Society's strong mutual values, commitment to its members and ambition to create positive social and economic impact make this an exciting time to join the Board. I look forward to supporting the Society as it continues to grow and deliver value for its members and communities." James Ramsbotham CBE DL, Chair of the Board at Newcastle Building Society, said: "Lucy brings a remarkable breadth of leadership experience, an outstanding track record in governance and a deep understanding of the communities Newcastle Magazine serve. Her contributions to the region's economic, educational and civic development over many years have been significant, and her values align strongly with those of the Society. "Her appointment further strengthens our Board and will help inform the Society's future growth and success. Lucy's insight, strategic perspective, and passion for the region will be invaluable as we continue delivering our purpose of connecting our communities with a better financial future." Get Newcastle Magazine direct to your inbox. * indicates required

MHBS appoints Nicholls as deputy CFO. August 5, 2026 Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) has appointed Brad Nicholls as deputy CFO. Nicholls joins from Newcastle Building Society, where Mortgage Solutions worked as director of strategic finance. Prior to this, he held senior roles at Nottingham Building Society, Arrow Global and The Co-operative Bank. The mutual said Nicholls' appointment comes amid its expansion of its specialist lending capabilities, customer and broker propositions, and diversification into new markets. Nicholls (pictured) said: "I'm delighted to be joining Market Harborough Building Society at such an exciting point in its journey. Having previously had the opportunity to work alongside many colleagues across the organisation, I've seen first-hand the ambition, culture and commitment that make the society such a special place to be. I look forward to helping maintain this momentum and creating lasting impact." Iain Kirkpatrick, CEO of MHBS, said: "Brad's appointment is a significant addition to our leadership team. He brings a wealth of experience, together with a strong track record of driving business performance and strategic development within mutual and banking organisations. Brad's expertise will be invaluable as we invest in new opportunities and deliver on our long-term strategy as a purpose-led mutual. We're delighted to welcome him to the society."

Newcastle Building Society reports strong half-year performance. Gross mortgage lending reached £623m and the net residential mortgage growth was £289m. Newcastle Building Society has reported a strong half-year performance to 30th June 2026, with profit before tax rising to £15.1m from £10.8m in 2025. Underlying operating profit was £14.9m. Assets grew to £7.4bn, up from £7.0bn at year end. Savings balances increased to £6.2bn and gross mortgage lending reached £623m. Net residential mortgage growth was £289m, compared with £156m in the same period last year. Borrowers on standard variable rate products saved about £790,000 in interest compared to the market average. Customer satisfaction stayed at 97% and the net promoter score was +85. Andrew Haigh, CEO at Newcastle Building Society, said: "The first half of 2026 has demonstrated the resilience of its business model and the continued importance of its purpose-led approach. "Despite an evolving and often challenging external environment with continued global and UK political and economic uncertainty, The Intermediary has remained focused on creating long-term value for its members, investing in its communities and strengthening the sustainability of the Group. "As a customer-owned organisation, our success is measured not only by financial performance, but by the positive difference we make in the places we serve." Haigh added: "Across the North East and North West, The Intermediary continue to support people and communities through accessible face-to-face services, trusted financial advice, community partnerships, grant funding and initiatives that help create opportunity and improve financial wellbeing. "The opening of its new Guisborough branch, alongside the continued development of Manchester Building Society in Greater Manchester, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining access to financial services at a time when many high streets are losing them. "Through both our Newcastle and Manchester brands, we are investing in the future of our communities, creating welcoming places where people can access trusted support, financial guidance and services that meet their needs." He said: "The Intermediary will continue to deliver value through competitive savings and mortgage products while investing in the capabilities, partnerships and infrastructure that will enable The Intermediary to support members and communities for generations to come. "As always, I would like to thank our members for their continued support and our colleagues for their commitment and dedication to delivering our purpose of connecting our communities with a better financial future."