Melton Building Society celebrates 150th birthday
The team at Melton Building Society (MBS) have been celebrating the company’s 150th birthday with a reception at their Leicester Road HQ, Mutual House.
It started trading in 1875 – just 24 years after Melton Mowbray’s iconic Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe – and today it is one of the town biggest employers, with 140 staff.
The very first chairman was Captain William Adcock and the company was honoured to receive a special message from his descendants.
Archie, Georgia, and John Powell – who are also family members of the renowned novelist Anthony Powell – shared personal reflections on their ancestor’s contributions to Melton Mowbray and the local community.
They pointed out William was also a pioneer of amateur photography and a patron of the arts, as well as the first MBS chairman.
The event also featured speeches from Simon Taylor, chief executive officer of MBS, Robin Fieth, CEO of Building Society Association and former England cricketer, Jonathan Agnew MBE, who commentates on Test Match Special and lives locally.
Guests in attendance included influential local figures, long standing members, and distinguished professionals from across the building society sector.
Mr Taylor told the gathering: “Reaching 150 years is a remarkable achievement, made possible by the trust and support of our members, the dedication of our colleagues, and the strength of our community.
"We are proud of our history and excited for what lies ahead.”
Rachel Kolebuk, chief customer officer at MBS, told the Melton Times: “We are really proud to carry the town name and to be a good local employer – lots of our employees live locally and many walk to work.”
The company prioritises its connections with the community – staff are encouraged to do voluntary work with local groups and organisations.
It also partners with organisations like the Melton and District Money Advice Centre (MADMAC), paying for a tutor to go into schools to teach children young people about budgeting and business.
And MBS sponsors The Melton Band and The Melton Musical Theatre Company, among others.
Rachel added: “We are not just a building society – being a part of the community is very important to us.”
The company has branches at Melton, Grantham, Oakham, Stamford and Bourne and has over 40,000 members.