The Cumberland Building Society has made two key appointments following the recent refurbishment of its branch in Barrow.
It has appointed Tony Martin as the new community branch manager for Barrow and Ulverston, while James Cookson becomes cluster manager with oversight of branches across Furness and Lancashire.
The pair have 18 and 13 years of experience respectively in customer service, community engagement and financial services.
Cumberland Building Society said: “Their appointments reinforce its commitment to supporting members, communities and businesses.
“They will play a pivotal role in strengthening relationships with members, supporting local initiatives and helping customers achieve their financial goals.”
Mr Martin, who leads a team of 15 colleagues, said: “Having worked in Barrow for many years, I’m proud to be part of a town with such a strong sense of identity and community.
“The Cumberland has deep roots here, and I’m looking forward to building on the relationships we already have and continuing to support local people and businesses in a meaningful way.”
Mr Cookson added: “I am delighted to be appointed Cluster Manager and I’m very proud to be part of an organisation that has a strong reputation for putting people first.
“I look forward to building on my current relationships and helping customers with their financial needs.”
Claire Deekes, chief customer officer at the building society, said: “At The Cumberland, our purpose extends far beyond providing financial services.
“We are committed to helping our communities thrive and the appointments of Tony and James demonstrate our determination to invest in the people who make that possible.
“They both bring valuable experience, local knowledge of Barrow and a genuine passion for supporting our members. We are delighted to announce these appointments to the Barrow team.”
Cumberland Building Society said: “The Cumberland prides itself on looking after customers. It has held the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for outstanding customer service six years in a row.
“And while it has embraced online banking, it remains committed to branches at a time when banks are abandoning the high street.
“Unusually for a building society, the Cumberland offers personal and business current accounts and provides loans to businesses, alongside its savings accounts and mortgages.
“It also backs good causes, notably its Kinder Kind of Kitchen initiative to tackle food poverty by supporting food banks and community food hubs.”
Branch on Dalton Road reopened in April following a major refurbishment. The organisation is now the only provider of banking services with a branch in Ulverston, on New Market Street.
