Vernon Building Society win ‘Employer of the Year’ at the Stockport Business Awards
Vernon Building Society has been awarded ‘Employer of the Year’ at the Stockport Business Awards, with the 100-year-old mutual being recognised for outstanding workplace culture and community impact. The Vernon last won Employer of the Year at the 2022 Stockport Business Awards.
The Employer of the Year category was looking to celebrate organisations that have created a stimulating and supportive workplace. Applications required evidence of highly trained, motivated, innovative and integrated workforces. Judges were specifically looking for evidence of how employees are engaged in strategic goals and company values and how this contributes to overall business performance.
Darren Ditchburn, Chief Executive at Vernon, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to win Employer of the Year at the Stockport Business Awards. Vernon Building Society has been proudly supporting our lovely communities for over 100 years. Our organisation is built on our people – their dedication and talent drive our success.”
Vernon Building Society’s award entry highlighted the Society’s transformation from a traditional financial services employer to a modern, values-led organisation that prioritises colleague wellbeing.
The Vernon impressed judges with its transformation of workplace culture, achieving its highest-ever employee engagement scores in 2025. The Society has an average employee tenure of 7.67 years, with 43% of colleagues remaining with the organisation for over five years.
Darren continues:
“Our strong values and inclusive culture have made the Vernon a great place to work. We’re proud to grow not just financially, but as an employer where people feel empowered, supported and valued every day.”
The Stockport-based mutual is a Real Living Wage employer and member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. Colleagues are supported through professional development opportunities, with apprenticeships and qualifications funded across all departments.
The award comes during Vernon Building Society’s centenary year, which has seen record-breaking performance. Total assets have grown to over £500 million, with profit before tax reaching £3.5 million and mortgage lending increasing by 17% to £89.6 million.
This financial success has been matched by significant investment in people. The Society has expanded from 86 employees in 2022 to 99 in 2025, with plans to grow to 107 by 2027 as it expands its branch network across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
The Vernon’s commitment to its workforce extends beyond the office walls. Colleagues contributed over 563 hours through paid volunteering days in 2024, supporting local charities and community initiatives. To create a legacy in its centenary year, the Society launched the Vernon Charitable Foundation, awarding over £64,000 to local charities in its first year, and expanded its Community Stars programme, distributing £12,000 to grassroots organisations.
The Society’s financial education programme, delivered in partnership with WiseUp, supported 1,456 students across eight local schools, with employees actively involved in these community outreach efforts.
