West Bromwich Building Society

In 2024, the West Brom celebrated its 175th anniversary, making it one of the oldest building societies still in existence today.It is believed that the West Bromwich Permanent Building Society formally opened for business later that year.There were 20 men at that first meeting, all steeped in Methodism, and comprised local tradesmen and skilled craftsmen -retailers, a boat builder, boot maker, blacksmith, glass cutter.The only figure of note in those early years was Reuben Farley, a prominent industrialist and later the first Mayor of West Bromwich.Intentions to enable the working man to be his own landlord and "enjoy the privilege of exercising the franchise" were expressed in the 1852 annual report.
Building SocietymutualBankingFinancial servicesWest BromwichRetail bankingSavingsMortgagesOperating incomeNet incomeTotal assetsTotal equityEnglandBuilding Societies AssociationMethodismReuben FarleyFreehold Land Societies