Business Review and
Business Review and Summary Financial Statement for the year ended 31 October 2014 Summary Financial Statement for the year ended 31 October 2015 including Notice of Annual General Meeting
T r i p l eTriple W Winner inners
Contents Chief Executive’s Introduction 1 Society Performance over the past five years
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Summary Financial Statement 4 Independent Auditor’s Report 10 Directors’ Remuneration Report 11 Notice of Annual General Meeting 14 Directors seeking re-election 16 Your vote counts 17 Important information for members 18
Directors Scott P Mellors FRICS
Chairman
David T Bowyer FCA
Deputy Chairman
Gary Brebner BSc, ACA
Chief Executive
Cheryl D Clifford BA, FCIPD Stephen J Jeffries LLB, FCA
Finance Director
Caroline Joyce BA, ACIB
Operations Director
Michael W Parrott CPFA Ian J Webb BSc, MCIM
Chief Executive’s Introduction Loughborough Building Society results Year ended 31 October 2015 I am pleased to present the results for the Society for the year ended 31 October 2015. The AGM notice is contained later in this summary and I would encourage you to read it and vote. The Society continues to make advances despite the ongoing difficulties in the core mortgage markets. These continue to be highly impacted by the Government’s Funding for Lending scheme (FLS). The supply of cheap money to many institutions has continued to reduce mortgage pricing over the year. This directly impacts on the Society’s savers rates as interest receivable has fallen despite a 5% increase in mortgage balances. Even with these challenges, I am pleased to say that your Society has performed well as can be seen from the financial highlights below: • • • • •
Record assets of £290m Gross mortgage advances were 11% up on the previous year Profit before tax and FSCS levy stands at £792,000 (2014 £880,000) Mortgage assets have increased to a new record level of £222m (2014 £212m) Increased gross capital to £21.1m or 7.9% of shares and borrowings (2014 £20.6m and 7.8% respectively)
The economic climate remains difficult for savers. The Society continues to balance the need to retain sufficient profit for future investment and providing a return for savers through higher rates. The overall levels of profit are, in our view, sufficient without being unduly high. This positively differentiates your Society from plc institutions. The mortgage market remains exceptionally competitive. However we have, for the sixth year in a row, increased gross lending without compromising on underwriting quality. The Society continues to offer first time buyers competitive mortgages helping them to get onto the housing ladder and secure their first home. Our products and service are highly attractive. Despite external pressures in the savings markets, the Society held rates for as long as it could before reducing them during 2015. As many other institutions had already reduced their rates these changes, however difficult, were inevitable. The Society is progressing its work to embed the new IT system. The pace of completing this work is dependent on our supplier. The Society will be planning a number of investments in the coming years to improve operating efficiency and add new online services. The continued profitability of the Society is key to its longevity. The Society will continue to manage interest margin to remain profitable and financially strong. Building capital over time is a business imperative. We place significant emphasis on preserving the strength of our balance sheet, managing the Society prudently. Our capital ratios are strong and well above the 3% leverage ratio the PRA and Bank of England have been challenging banks to meet. It is inevitable that some borrowers will find themselves in difficulty. It is pleasing to report that residential arrears cases remain under control and are similar in number to last year. The Society successfully resolved a long running litigation case during the year which contributed to a net release of provisions totalling £151,000. The overall impairment provision now stands at £1.2m. During the year the Society has produced retained profits of £0.5m taking total reserves above £21m. Both are important indicators of financial stability and strength.
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Outlook for 2016 Although the Society does not provide forecasts, it is important that members understand the market conditions anticipated in the coming year. It would appear that uncertainty remains as to the timing of the first rise in base rates. It seems that, if it happens at all, it will be later in 2016 rather than earlier. Housing market transaction volumes appear more subdued than a year ago and this will probably continue in 2016. We also anticipate a modest increase in regional house prices as demand still outstrips housing supply. Recent economic data suggests the UK economy is still set to grow in 2016 but that inflation will remain very low. The Society only exists because of its members. Consequently we will continue to strive to improve access to our services further. We will continue to offer competitive products to first time and other home buyers in the region and maintain margins to keep confidence of the Regulators and you as members in our financial strength. I am grateful for the dedication of management and staff who continue to provide members with an excellent personal service. The Society remains committed to being customer led and member owned, providing financial security and long term value and choice for current and future generations of members. I would like to thank you all for your support over the year and hope you have a successful and enjoyable 2016. Gary Brebner Chief Executive
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9 December 2015
Society Performance over the past five years Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) The Board uses a number of KPIs to measure and monitor progress and performance. Over the past five years the Society has increased its assets as economic conditions have allowed, ensuring that the interests of borrowers and savers are safeguarded and that adequate liquid assets are held. The KPIs are shown below to illustrate the progress the Society has made with the help of members and staff.
General Reserves
Liquidity Ratio as % of Shares and Borrowings
The Directors remain committed to maintaining a strong capital position to satisfy regulatory requirements and to protect investors. General reserves were £20.4m at October 2015.
21 21 21 21 20 20 20 20 19 19 19 19 £’m£’m 18.6 18.6 £’m£’m 18 18 18.6 18.6 18 18
19.0 19.0 19.0 19.0
19.4 19.4 19.4 19.4
19.9 19.9 19.9 19.9
The liquidity ratio has been managed down to improve the efficiency of the balance sheet and minimise the effects of continued low interest rates on members, whilst continuing to hold adequate liquidity in order to meet liabilities as they fall due. The ratio was 24.8% at October 2015. 30 30 30 30 28 28 28.1 28.1 28 28 28.1 28.1 26 26 % %26 26 % %24 24 24 24
20.4 20.4 20.4 20.4
17 17 17 17 16 16 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 16 16 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 2011
27.6 27.6 27.6 27.6
27.9 27.9 27.9 27.9
27.7 27.7 27.7 27.7 24.8 24.8 24.8 24.8
22 22 22 22 20 20 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 20 20 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 2011
Share Balances (excluding accrued interest)
Mortgage Assets (gross of loss provision)
The Society has offered a range of competitive products to new and existing members. In the face of difficult market conditions for savers, share balances have shown a small decline to £247.4m at October 2015.
The Board is pleased to report that mortgage assets continue to increase. A combination of attractive products and prudent lending policy has supported a book of high quality mortgages which now totals £222.8m.
250250 250250 230230 230.2 230.2 230230 230.2 230.2 £’m£’m 224.3 224.3 £’m£’m 224.3 224.3 210210 210 210
222.8 222.8 222.8 222.8
220220 220220
250.2 250.2 250.2 247.4 247.4 250.2 247.4 247.4 241.0 241.0 241.0 241.0
212.9 212.9 212.9 212.9 £’m£’m 205205 £’m£’m 205205 199.9 199.9 199.9 199.9
190190 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 190190 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 2011
207.7 207.7 207.7 207.7 205.0 205.0 205.0 205.0
190190 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 190190 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 2011
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Summary Financial Statement for the year ended 31 October 2015 This Financial Statement is a summary of information in the audited Annual Accounts, the Directors’ Report and Annual Business Statement, all of which will be available to members and depositors, free of charge on demand, at every office of the Loughborough Building Society from 20 January 2016. Approved by the Board of Directors on 9 December 2015 and signed on its behalf by: D.T. Bowyer M.W. Parrott G. Brebner
Deputy Chairman Chair of Audit and Compliance Committee Chief Executive
Summary Directors’ Report The Directors are pleased to present the Summary Financial Statement of the Loughborough Building Society for the year ended 31 October 2015.
Business Objectives and Activities The principal business activity of the Society is the provision of long term residential mortgages to borrowers, financed by personal savings from members, in keeping with traditional Building Society principles and values. The business objectives are to promote savings and home ownership, primarily in the East Midlands, through a competitive interest rate structure on a variety of straightforward products, combined with high levels of personal service, to meet the needs of our members and safeguard their interests.
Business Review 2015 has seen a continuation of GDP growth in the domestic economy. Consumer confidence is improving with wages rising above inflation for the first time since 2007. Average house prices now exceed those before the crash in all regions of England and Wales. The volume of housing transactions remains lower when compared to the period prior to the credit crunch. Another year has passed without any increase in bank base rate.The rate of 0.5% has now been maintained by the Bank of England for more than six and a half years. Prospects for any increase in bank base rate appear to have been deferred until the second half of 2016 at the earliest. The Society has achieved a good overall performance with total mortgage balances increasing over the year, a pleasing achievement in the face of difficult market conditions. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), illustrated on page 3, demonstrate the progress the Society continues to make. A further increase in the level of capital has been delivered through prudent management and the Society is well positioned to continue to provide good value for its members. Market rates for mortgages have continued to decline. Competition in the mortgage market has remained intense with lower loan to value mortgage products consistently priced at rates well below 2%. Lower returns have continued to be seen from the money markets and this reduces the income received on liquid asset investments. Whilst retaining prudent levels of liquidity, the total held has been reduced during the year to improve balance sheet efficiency.
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The Society has continued to price its mortgage products to maintain its strategic objectives for balance sheet growth. However, to remain a relevant prudent financial organisation, the pricing of the Society’s mortgage offering requires a balance with principles of mutuality for all of our members. As in recent years our standard variable mortgage rate (SVR) remains competitive against many other mutual organisations at 4.99%. Gross lending in the year was £42.0m (2014: £37.7m), an increase of 11.4% compared to 2014. This represents an excellent achievement as substantially all of the mortgage advances have again been originated directly, rather than through more complex intermediary channels. During the year the Society achieved best buy listings for both discount and fixed rate products and provided attractive mortgages for first time buyers aspiring to home ownership requiring just a 5% deposit. Mortgage balances have increased by 4.6% although due to market conditions, interest receivable has reduced to £8.2m (2014: £8.6m). The Society continues to adopt a flexible approach to underwriting of applications and seeks to provide a range of products to assist new and existing borrowers with their mortgage needs. Mortgage balances, after provision for losses, have risen by £10.0m (2014: £5.2m) in the year, reflecting both the excellent service provided to all borrowers and the quality of retention products offered to existing borrowers. The Society was recognised by the Mortgage Finance Gazette as Best Local Building Society in both 2014 and 2015. The Board considers this an excellent endorsement of the consistency shown by our staff and management team in providing customers with quality products and service in recent years. Market rates for savings have also continued to decline this year. Where possible we have maintained the competitive level of rates paid to our members. However it has been necessary to make some adjustments to savers’ rates to reflect market conditions. Against a background of suppressed market rates for savers, there was an overall decrease in share balances of £3.0m (2014: increase of £9.1m). However, the Society’s range of variable and fixed rate products remains competitive for our customers seeking a safe home for their investments. The Board has again ensured that funds were readily available for mortgage lending at all times during the year and all lending has been funded by investors’ share balances rather than from wholesale deposits. The Board is again pleased to record that arrears remain at low levels and have fallen slightly over the year, reflecting the improving economy, quality of lending and the support given to those borrowers experiencing difficulties with their monthly payments. The Board has considered it appropriate to reduce the provision for mortgage losses by £192,000, following the resolution and reassessment of certain cases with specific provisions during the year. Total assets remained consistent with 2014 increasing by 0.9% to £290m. The Society has continued to serve the local population through the branch network in Loughborough, Derby and Long Eaton and the agencies in Southwell and West Bridgford. We continue to offer high levels of customer service and a high street alternative to the banking sector. There has been an increase in costs this year. A significant element of the costs of £153,000 (2014: £337,000) is shown as an exceptional item in the income and expenditure account. The exceptional costs reflect continued work to embed new systems and processes following the change of IT system in September 2014. As noted in the prior year, periodic investment in IT systems is a fundamental requirement for a modern financial services institution focused on customer service and ongoing IT development costs will continue to be incurred. The costs of these necessary improvements, together with annual inflationary increases and the need to strengthen further our management expertise to meet regulatory challenges, have contributed to an overall rise in the management expense ratio to 130 pence (2014: 115 pence) per £100 of mean assets (excluding exceptional items). The Board continues to seek ways of increasing operational efficiency, without compromising the level of service provided to our members.
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Our pre-tax profits continue to be impacted by the charge being suffered by all deposit taking firms under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) levy, as a result of the failure of a number of banks over recent years. The charge for the levy this year is £160,000 (2014: £200,000). The pre-tax profit for the year was £632,000 (2014: £680,000) a level which the Board considers appropriate to maintain the strong capital position for existing and future members of the Society.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties Building Societies operate in a highly competitive and regulated market with significant uncertainties arising from the general economic environment, in particular the demand for borrowing and the availability of funding. Although the UK economy is showing signs of recovery, interest rates remain at historic low levels and there is still the risk of volatility in the financial markets as seen globally in mid to late 2015. The Society has a cautious approach to its risk appetite which helps to protect members’ interests and reduce exposure to the principal risks and uncertainties facing the business. Processes, policies and controls are in place to minimise these risks as far as is practicable. Many of the risks faced are those associated with any business striving to prosper in a competitive market, including margin pressures, regulatory and statutory developments. The principal business risks to which the Society is exposed are considered to be: • Credit Risk, this relates to the risk that mortgage customers or treasury counterparties, to whom the Society has lent money, may default on their obligation to pay. • Interest Rate Risk, this is the risk that income or expenditure, arising from the Society’s assets or liabilities, varies as a result of changes in interest rates. • Liquidity Risk, this relates to the Society’s ability to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. • Operational Risk, this is the risk of a loss arising from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, human error, key supplier failure or external events. • Regulatory Risk, this is the risk that the volume and complexity of regulatory issues and related costs such as the FSCS levy, may reduce the Society’s capital and ability to compete over a period of time. • Conduct Risk, this is the risk that the Society does not treat its customers fairly and provides inappropriate products for customers. • Strategic Risk, this is the risk of the Society entering unprofitable markets or offering unprofitable products.The Board has a strategic duty to ensure that the Society makes an adequate amount of profit to maintain capital ratios at a level sufficient to provide long term financial strength and stability for all members. • Concentration Risk, this is the risk of loss due to a large individual or connected exposure that could be affected by common factors including geographical location. The Board sets limits for maximum exposures to both borrowers and treasury counterparties. • Reputational Risk, as a deposit taking institution, it is essential that the Society safeguards its members’ funds and ensures that events do not arise which could damage our reputation and lead to a loss of public confidence. The management of risk and strategic direction are key activities for the success of the business. The Board of Directors, aided by a number of committees, is responsible for ensuring that an up to date and effective risk management structure is in place covering all aspects of the business. All major areas of risk are reviewed by the Risk Committee and, where appropriate, other Board committees as detailed in the Corporate Governance Report included in the Annual Report and Accounts.
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Corporate Governance The Board is committed to best practice in corporate governance and supports the principles of the Corporate Governance Code 2014 insofar as they apply to a building society. For a number of years the Society has encouraged members to vote by linking the number of votes cast to a donation to a local charity. The Society will donate 20 pence per postal vote and 50 pence per on-line vote, up to a maximum of £1,000, amongst charities selected by each individual voter from a short list. Board Directors are present at the AGM unless there are exceptional circumstances that prevent attendance. Board Directors are available to meet with members both before and after the meeting and to answer questions on both a formal and informal basis.
Regulation The Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA.
Information Technology The Society moved IT systems in September 2014 and now operates on a system and managed service provided by Unisys.
Directors The following persons served as Directors during the year:
Non-Executive Directors S.P. Mellors FRICS J.P. Jessop ACMA, CGMA D.T. Bowyer FCA Mrs C.D. Clifford BA, FCIPD C.J. Martin FCIB M.W. Parrott CPFA I.J. Webb BSc, MCIM
Chairman Deputy Chairman to 16 July 2015 Deputy Chairman from 1 August 2015 Senior Independent Director
Executive Directors G. Brebner BSc, ACA Mrs C. Joyce BA, ACIB S. J. Jeffries LLB, FCA
Chief Executive Operations Director Finance Director
Peter Jessop retired in July 2015 after more than six years with the Society during which time he served as Deputy Chairman and Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee. The Board thanks him for his dedication over the period as a Director and wish him a long and happy retirement. Christopher Martin resigned from the Board in November 2015. The Directors retiring in accordance with the Rules are Mr G. Brebner and Mrs C.D. Clifford who, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. The role of the Non-Executive Director is vital to the governance of the Society and comes with increasing time demands and regulatory expectations, which have again been met with dedication and commitment by all Board members.
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Donations There were no donations for political purposes.
Auditor The auditor, KPMG LLP, have signified their willingness to continue in office and therefore a resolution for their re-appointment will be proposed to the Society’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Management and Staff The Directors would like to record their appreciation for the support and dedication of the management and staff and their commitment to the Society throughout the year. A comprehensive programme of staff training and development has continued during the year, enabling staff to continue to develop their skills and maintain the excellent level of customer service expected by all our members. Thanks are also due to all our members and professional contacts for their continued support. On behalf of the Board Scott P. Mellors Chairman
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9 December 2015
Summary Financial Statement For the year ended 31 October 2015 Results for the year Net interest receivable Other income and charges Administrative expenses - non exceptional Administrative expenses - exceptional Provisions - for mortgage losses - for FSCS levy
2015 £’000 4,525 28 (3,759) (153) 151 (160)
2014 £’000 4,475 125 (3,278) (337) (105) (200)
Profit for the year before taxation Taxation
632 (131)
680 (140)
Profit for the year
501
540
66,269 221,557 2,123
73,568 211,519 2,338
Financial position at end of the year Assets Liquid Assets Mortgages Fixed and other assets Total Assets Liabilities Shares Borrowings Other liabilities Provisions for liabilities - FSCS levy Reserves Revaluation reserve Total Liabilities
289,949
248,862 18,633 1,266 118 20,427 643 289,949
Summary of key financial ratios Gross capital as a percentage of shares and borrowings
2015 % 7.88
Liquid assets as a percentage of shares and borrowings
24.77
Profit for the year as a percentage of mean total assets
0.17
287,425
251,894 13,665 1,112 125 19,916 713
Key Financial Ratios Gross capital comprises general reserves and revaluation reserve. The gross capital ratio measures the proportion which the Society’s capital bears to the Society’s liabilities to holders of shares and borrowings. Gross capital provides a financial buffer protecting investors against any losses that might arise from the Society’s activities. The Board is committed to providing a secure home for investors’ funds and Loughborough Building Society has a gross capital ratio in line with that of the Building Society industry. The liquid assets ratio measures the proportion of the Society’s shares and other borrowings that are held in the form of cash, shortterm deposits and marketable securities. Liquid assets are generally readily realisable into cash, enabling the Society to meet requests by investors for withdrawals from their accounts, to make new mortgage loans to borrowers and to fund its general business activities.
Profit for the year as a percentage of mean total assets measures the ratio of profit after taxation for the year 287,425 to the average value of total assets during the year. The Society 2014 needs to make a reasonable level of profit each year in order to % maintain its gross capital ratio at a 7.77 suitable level to protect investors’ funds. The Directors believe the profit for the year is consistent 27.70 with the aims of mutuality. 0.19
Management expenses as a percentage of mean total assets measures the proportion Management expenses as a percentage 1.36 1.27 of administrative expenses, of mean total assets including depreciation, as a percentage of the average value of Management expenses less exceptional items 1.30 1.15 total assets during the year. as a percentage of mean total assets
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Independent auditor’s statement to the members and depositors of Loughborough Building Society We have examined the Summary Financial Statement of Loughborough Building Society (‘the Society’) for the year ended 31 October 2015, set out on pages 4 to 9. This auditor’s statement is made solely to the Society’s members, as a body, and to the Society’s depositors, as a body, in accordance with section 76 of the Building Societies Act 1986. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Society’s members and depositors those matters we are required to state to them in such a statement and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Society and the Society’s members as a body and the Society’s depositors as a body, for our work, for this statement, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor The Directors are responsible for preparing the Summary Financial Statement within the Business Review, in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law. Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the consistency of the Summary Financial Statement within the Business Review with the full annual accounts, Annual Business Statement and Directors’ Report and its conformity with the relevant requirements of section 76 of the Building Societies Act 1986 and regulations made under it.
Basis of opinion Our examination of the Summary Financial Statement consisted primarily of: • Agreeing the amounts and disclosures included in the Summary Financial Statement to the corresponding items within the full annual accounts, Annual Business Statement and Directors’ Report of the Society for the year ended 31 October 2015, including consideration of whether, in our opinion, the information in the Summary Financial Statement has been summarised in a manner which is not consistent with the full annual accounts, the Annual Business Statement and Directors’ Report of the Society for that year; • Checking that the format and content of the Summary Financial Statement is consistent with the requirements of section 76 of the Building Societies Act 1986 and regulations made under it; and • Considering whether, in our opinion, information has been omitted which although not required to be included under the relevant requirements of section 76 of the Building Societies Act 1986 and regulations made under it, is nevertheless necessary to include to ensure consistency with the full annual accounts, the Annual Business Statement and Directors’ Report of the Society for the year ended 31 October 2015. We also read the other information contained in the Business Review and consider the implications for our statement if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the Summary Financial Statement. Our report on the Society’s full annual accounts describes the basis of our opinions on those annual accounts, the Annual Business Statement and Directors’ Report.
Opinion on Summary Financial Statement On the basis of the work performed, in our opinion the Summary Financial Statement is consistent with the full annual accounts, the Annual Business Statement and Directors’ Report of the Society for the year ended 31 October 2015 and conforms with the applicable requirements of section 76 of the Building Societies Act 1986 and regulations made under it. Lawrence Pomeroy for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants One Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway, Birmingham B4 6GH
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9 December 2015
Directors’ Remuneration Report The purpose of this report is to inform members, in line with good corporate governance practice, of the policy for the remuneration of the Society’s Executive Management and its Non-Executive Directors. It provides details of the elements of Directors’ remuneration and explains the process for setting them. An advisory resolution will be put to this year’s Annual General Meeting, inviting members to vote on the Directors’ Remuneration Report.
Policy The Staff and Remuneration Committee reviews and recommends the policy and practice on the remuneration of Executive Directors and senior management group to the Board.The Committee is also responsible for setting the remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors including the Chairman. The Committee takes into account relevant factors from the UK Corporate Governance Code and the Society complies with the relevant and applicable aspects of the FCA Remuneration Code. The policy is designed to ensure that senior executive remuneration reflects performance and allows the Society to attract, motivate and retain high calibre, qualified executives, with the skills and experience needed to lead a business of this nature and complexity and develop it for the long term benefit of our members, in an increasingly regulated and competitive market. In setting reward structures, the policy is to encourage continuous improved performance without undue risk taking. In order to achieve this, the Committee seeks to ensure that remuneration levels are fair and competitive, reflecting market comparatives from similar financial institutions and each individual’s personal development and contribution to the Society’s performance. The members of the Staff and Remuneration Committee are included in the Society’s Annual Report and Accounts. Meetings of the Committee are also attended by the Chief Executive, as appropriate. The Chief Executive withdraws from the meeting when his own remuneration and benefits are considered. The Chief Executive assesses individual performance of the other Executives against specific corporate and individual objectives and makes recommendations to the Staff and Remuneration Committee.
Executive Directors’ Remuneration Remuneration of the Society’s Executive Directors can be comprised of a number of elements: basic salary, annual and medium term incentive schemes, contributions to pension schemes and other benefits. Where performance related pay is agreed, targets and measures are set at levels to exceed the planned performance of the Society. Payments are therefore only made when the measures have exceeded that planned performance and if key conditions such as capital ratios are met. Failure to meet these conditions would result in no performance related payment being made.
Basic Salary Basic salaries are paid at an appropriate level to take account of job content and responsibilities, external market competitiveness and individual performance in the role.
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Annual Performance Pay This is an incentive scheme that provides non-pensionable rewards for the Executive directly linked to the achievement of key performance targets in the year as determined by the Society’s Board. Performance targets are reviewed and approved annually, by the Staff and Remuneration Committee, to ensure they are aligned to business priorities. The overall objective is to improve Society performance across a number of key financial indicators such as mortgage asset growth and arrears levels whilst maintaining the financial strength of the Society for the long term benefit of its members. The maximum figure payable was set at 12% of basic salary (2013/14: 15%); the amount paid for 2014/15 was 2% (2013/14: an average of 10%).
Medium Term Incentives There was no scheme in place in respect of either 2013/14 or 2014/15.
Pension Benefits The Society operates a contributory money purchase scheme and makes contributions for all qualifying staff, including the Executive Directors. The Society also operates a death in service scheme for all members of the pension scheme. The scheme provides a lump sum of four times basic salary in the event of death in service.
Other Benefits The Society provides other taxable benefits to Executive Directors comprising a car, or car allowance, and health care provision.
Service Contracts All Executive Directors are employed on service contracts, which can be terminated by the Society following a maximum of 12 months’ notice and by the individual Executives on 6 months’ notice.
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Directors’ Remuneration (audited information) Executive Directors (£’000) 2015 Salary Annual Performance Pay Pension Contributions G. Brebner 137 3 25 Mrs C. Joyce 93 2 12 S.J. Jeffries 82 2 6 TOTALS 312 7 43
Benefits
TOTAL
7 9 6 22
172 116 96 384
2014 Salary Annual Performance Pay Pension Benefits Contributions G. Brebner 135 12 27 7 C.G. Bradley* 82 - 12 7 Mrs C. Joyce 90 11 13 9 S.J. Jeffries 81 7 7 5 TOTALS 388 30 59 28 * C.G. Bradley retired on 23 July 2014
TOTAL 181 101 123 100 505
Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration
Non-Executive Directors are remunerated solely by fees. They do not have service contracts and they do not receive any salary, pension, incentives or other taxable benefits. The Board’s policy is to review the fees annually. The fees paid reflect the responsibility undertaken and the time spent on Society affairs including membership of Board committees.
Non-Executive Directors (audited information) S.P. Mellors (Chairman) J.P. Jessop* D.T. Bowyer** / **** Mrs C.D. Clifford C.J. Martin M.W. Parrott*** I.J. Webb TOTALS
2015 Fees £’000
2014 Fees £’000
35 18 26 21 21 25 21 167
33 25 20 20 1 1 20 120
*J.P. Jessop retired on 16 July 2015. He was Deputy Chairman to 16 July 2015 and Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee to 2 December 2014 **Deputy Chairman from 1 August 2015 ***Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee from 2 December 2014 **** Chair of the Risk Committee Mrs Cheryl D. Clifford Chairman Staff and Remuneration Committee
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9 December 2015
Notice of Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the 148th Annual General Meeting of members of the Society will be held on Monday 22 February 2016 at 6.15pm at The Council Chamber, Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough LE11 3EB for the following purposes: To receive the Auditor’s Report.
Ordinary Resolutions 1. To receive the Directors’ Report, Annual Report and Accounts and Annual Business Statement for the year ended 31 October 2015. 2. To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 October 2015. 3. To re-appoint KPMG LLP as Auditor to hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting.
Election of Directors 4. To consider and, if thought fit, re-elect the following as Directors: (a) To re-elect GARY BREBNER (b) To re-elect CHERYL DAWN CLIFFORD By order of the Board Gary Brebner, Chief Executive and Secretary 31 December 2015
NOTES 1. These Notes form part of the Notice of Meeting. 2. Under the Society’s Rules a member entitled to attend the Meeting and vote may appoint one proxy to attend and vote on his or her behalf.You may appoint the Chairman of the Meeting or anyone else as your proxy, and your proxy does not have to be a member of the Society.Your proxy may vote for you at the Meeting but only on a poll. A poll is a formal vote which may take place after an initial vote by a show of hands.Your proxy may not speak at the Meeting, except to demand or to join in demanding a poll. 3. You may instruct your proxy how to vote at the Meeting. Please read the instructions on the proxy voting form. 4. The voting date is the date of the Meeting, 22 February 2016, if voting in person and 17 February 2016 if voting by proxy. 5. In order to attend and vote at the Meeting, or appoint a proxy, you must qualify as either a shareholding member or a borrowing member. Shareholding Members To qualify as a shareholding member, you must: (i) hold a share or shares in the Society at the voting date; and (ii) if you are an individual, be at least 18 years old on 22 February 2016; and (iii) have held shares in the Society to the value of not less than £100 on 31 October 2015; and (iv) not have ceased to hold a share or shares in the Society at any time between 31 October 2015 and the voting date. Where the shares are held jointly by two or more persons, only the first named in the records of the Society in respect of those shares can have any voting rights.
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Borrowing Members To qualify as a borrowing member, you must: (i) be at least 18 years old on 22 February 2016; and (ii) have owed the Society not less than £100 in respect of a mortgage debt on 31 October 2015; and (iii) owe the Society not less than £100 in respect of a mortgage debt on the voting date. Where a mortgage debt is owed jointly by two or more persons, only the first named in the records of the Society in respect of that mortgage can have any voting rights. 6.
In addition, you can vote only once as a member, irrespective of: (i) the number of accounts you hold and whether you hold accounts in different capacities (for example, on your own behalf and as a trustee); and (ii) whether you qualify to vote as both a shareholding member and a borrowing member.
If you receive more than one proxy voting form, please let us know so that we can update our records. 7. Members attending the Meeting will be requested to produce their passbooks or other evidence of membership in order to obtain admission. If you are appointing a proxy other than the Chairman of the Meeting to attend the meeting and vote on your behalf, please ensure that your proxy brings an appropriate form of identification to the meeting. If you appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf and your proxy does not attend the meeting, your vote will not be counted.
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Directors seeking re-election Voting at the AGM allows you to express your views on the running of the Society. This year we’re asking you to vote on the re-election of two Directors to our Board.
Gary Brebner Gary joined the Board in July 2009 when he was appointed as Chief Executive. As Chief Executive, Gary leads the strategic direction of the Society and has overall responsibility for the Society’s performance. Prior to joining the Society Gary spent more than 20 years working in the financial services sector. He lives within the trading heartland of the Society. “It has been a privilege and honour to serve as your Chief Executive in the six years I have been here. The Society has faced many challenges in the last few years and performed well. We will continue to put the long term interest of Members first and manage the Society accordingly. The Society continues to manage its finances prudently and make suitable investments to improve our services and offering going forwards. Remaining a member centric organisation sets us apart from many others and is at the core of the Society’s beliefs and values. Thank you for all of your support and I look forward to serving you in the years ahead.”
Cheryl Clifford Cheryl joined the Board of the Society in October 2006. She held both Executive Director and Non Executive Director roles with the BGL Group spanning a period of 10 years. The BGL Group is one of the largest insurance brokers in the UK. In her role she held Board responsibility for the relationship with the Financial Services Authority, all aspects of regulatory compliance, risk management, internal audit, legal, contracts and Human Resources. She is currently Director of her own consultancy business Channel 121 Ltd. “I have been very proud to serve the Society over the last 9 years. The sector has faced many challenges during and post the financial crisis. Loughborough Building Society has faced these challenges and remained a strong and profitable organisation. I believe this is due to the responsible way in which the Society conducts its business and the continuing high levels of support and commitment from Members. I look forward to continuing to serve the Society and its Members.”
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Your vote counts As a member of the Loughborough Building Society we’d like to know your views on how your Society is being run. Voting in the AGM is one way in which you can let us know how you feel – so please do take the time to use your vote. For each vote cast the Society will make a donation to either Guide Dogs for the Blind or Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance. We will make a donation of 20p for every Voting Form we receive and 50p for every vote made online.
How to vote You can vote: ONLINE Vote by 5pm on Wednesday 17 February 2016 at: www.ersvotes.com/loughborough16 BY POST Post your proxy form to arrive no later than 5pm on Wednesday 17 February 2016. IN BRANCH Drop your voting form into the ballot box at your local branch or agency by 5pm on Wednesday 17 February 2016. IN PERSON Join us at the AGM meeting on Monday 22 February 2016 which starts at 6.15pm at The Council Chamber, Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough LE11 3EB.
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Important information for members Financial Services Compensation Scheme Your eligible deposits with the Loughborough Building Society are protected up to a total of £75,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK’s deposit guarantee scheme. Any deposits you hold above the limit are unlikely to be covered. For further information please call us on 01509 610707, ask at your local branch or visit the FSCS website www. fscs.org.uk
Receiving information from the Society We may contact you with information about new accounts or products and services that we offer unless you have asked us not to. We will never pass your details on to a third party for sales or marketing purposes and will only contact you if we believe it may be of benefit to you. If we currently contact you, but you’d prefer us not to, please let us know by writing to our Customer Service Manager at Loughborough Building Society, 6 High Street, Loughborough LE11 2QB. However, we will continue to send you account statements, statutory and other information that may affect the operation of your account.
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Tariff of Charges Effective from 1st March 2016 General £ Residential Loans £ Unpaid cheque/direct debit 20 Application fee Further Advance 125 Stopped/replacement cheque 20 Breakdown of transactions (letter) min 20 Commercial Loans Telegraphic transfer of funds (UK) 30 Application fee (non-refundable) 200 Data Protection Act enquiry 10 Arrangement fee, 1% of loan, minimum 500 Annual management fee 125 Mortgages Further advance application, 1% of loan, Deeds release fee 35 minimum 250 Sealing fee on redemption of mortgage (waived if term expired or replacement mortgage is taken out) 85 Valuation Fees Duplicate MIRAS 5 (tax certificate) 25 A scale of valuation fees for mortgage purposes Backdated MIRAS 5 (tax certificate) 35 is available on request Duplicate statement 25 Letter confirming outstanding balance 10 Arrears/Possessions Redemption statement Arrears letter (second & subsequent) each 25 (Residential – 2nd & subsequent) each 30 Second mortgage questionnaire 75 Arrears letter (Commercial) each 30 Consent to second charge 75 Arrears visit (plus counselling charge) 40 Copy of deeds 25 Instruction of solicitors 100 Repayment of existing debts from Instruction/cancellation of bailiff advance each 30 appointment 25 Permission to let property 100 Mortgage possession fee (Residential) 300 Unauthorised letting of property 100 Possession fee (Commercial) 500 Variation of/or change to title request 100 Mortgage possession fee (Second Charge) 150 Change of repayment type and/or term 50 Capitalisation of rent arrears or Transfer of equity fee 130 service charges 75 Release of Guarantor fee 50 Notification of broken arrangement 30 Schedule of mortgage payments 25 Mortgage reference for Financial Institutions 75 Investments Telegraphic transfer of funds (Eurozone) 30 plus bank charges Telegraphic transfer of funds (International) 50 plus bank charges Lost/duplicate passbook 15 Duplicate statement (Postal account) 25 Investors interest statement (other than Section 975) 20 Duplicate Section 975 statement 15 Accountants/Audit letter 35 Minimum
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Business Review and Head Office Summary Financial Statement for the year ended 31 October 2014 6 High Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2QB Tel: 01509 610707 - Email:
[email protected]
Branch Offices 4 High Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2PY Tel: 01509 610600 - Email:
[email protected] 1/2 Babington Lane, Derby DE1 1SU Tel: 01332 290818 - Email:
[email protected] 5 Market Place, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1JL Tel: 0115 972 8088 - Email:
[email protected]
Tr i p l e W i n n e r s
Agency Offices Gascoines Estate Agents 1 Church Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0HQ Tel: 01636 815349 - Email:
[email protected] Massers Solicitors 9 Tudor Square, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6BT Tel: 0115 981 1147 - Email:
[email protected]
www.theloughborough.co.uk The Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register number: 157258. Established 1867
