We are a mutual building society, which means that we answer to our customers and not to shareholders. This means that we always put the needs of the customer first and that we are not compromised by pressure to make as much profit as possible.
We have a simple aim: To be the most respected and trusted provider of financial services in the Stockport area and, as a result of this, to be the preferred choice of the people.
That's easy for us to say, but does the philosophy exist throughout the Society? Well, you've read what the customers think about us - now here are quotes we received from our staff when they were asked the question "What's our philosophy?"
"The Vernon's philosophy is to treat customers as individuals with individual needs and to give them the best service, we, as Customer Advisers can possibly give, as without them there would be no us."
Carol Stroud, Customer Adviser, Poynton branch.
"The Vernon's philosophy is that by taking the time to get to know each of our members and meet their individual needs we are able to lay the foundations for the strength of the organisation."
Lyndsy Scott-Ward, Customer Service Manager, Reddish branch.
"The Vernon's philosophy is to do what we are best at, savings and mortgages and to provide the customer with real people to talk to."
Kevin Baggs, Mortgage Department Manager.
"The Vernon's philosophy is that in addition to following a sensibly ambitious business plan that is prudently managed, there is a sincere belief that our people, whether customers or colleagues, have names and are not just numbers. The mentality that is genuinely prevalent throughout the Society is 'sit yourself in their chair and take it from there'. The proven result from this is staff and customers who feel valued and for both there is a sense of pride in belonging to a valued and successful local Society."
Chris Davy, Branch Area Manager.
"The Vernon's philosophy is to continue to be local and independent and to treat our customers how we would wish to be treated ourselves."
Alison Lilley, Customer Service Manager, Marple branch.
"The Vernon's philosophy is to continue to provide the people of Stockport with the most trusted service and the best financial products."
Mandy Torkington, Customer Service Manager, Poynton branch.
"The Vernon's philosophy is to look after the financial needs of the local community."
Katie Lees, Customer Adviser, Hazel Grove branch.
"The Vernon's philosophy is to treat the people of the Stockport area as one would want to be treated one's self - in a fair and honest manner."
Lesley Rogers, Customer Service Manager, Stockport branch.
"I was so impressed with the service that I received as a customer that I applied for a job!"
Neil Heppenstall, Customer Service Manager, Edgeley branch.
"I believe that we care about our customers; that's why I enjoy working for the Vernon. We care enough to make their experience a rewarding and enjoyable one, whether the service we are providing is investment or mortgage related. Our philosophy is to go that extra mile in our service and in the products that we offer."
Linda Worsencroft, Mortgage Administration Manager.
By reading the words of our customers and our staff we hope that you now understand what makes us unique. Please call in and talk to us - we're sure you won't be disappointed!