Market Harborough Building Society

Market Harborough Building Society, a mutual savings and mortgage institution

Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) is a British building society operating under the mutual model: it has been owned by its members since 1870. Its head office, Newcombe House, is located at 16 The Point, Market Harborough, and the institution has five offices or branches.

The society presents itself as an institution committed to its customers and to local communities, work it carries out through its Thrive Agenda. In the area of corporate responsibility, MHBS has obtained B Corp certification, which recognises companies that meet social and environmental impact standards.

Mortgages for complex scenarios and bridging finance

MHBS's mortgage area is aimed at profiles that require specialised analysis. The institution states that it specialises in mortgages for complex scenarios and in bridging finance, products it distributes through experienced intermediaries. For customers who already have a mortgage with the society, it has a customer care team that supports the borrower throughout the entire process.

The website provides users with information on payment difficulties, related FAQs, benefits for existing borrowers, a mortgage calculator, mortgage conditions and the tariff of charges, mortgage portability, offset account terms and conditions, and information on mortgage statements. It also offers an online pack for solicitors, differentiated for England and Wales and for Scotland.

Savings accounts for individuals, children and businesses

The institution's savings catalogue is extensive and organised by product type. It includes easy access accounts, easy access ISA accounts, regular saver accounts and fixed term accounts, as well as notice accounts with different periods: 30, 60, 75, 90, 130, 145 and 160 days. The offer is completed by specific products such as PlanetSaver, 100 Day Notice ISA, Junior ISA, children's accounts and business savings accounts.

Among the accounts for businesses and organisations are easy access accounts for businesses, charities, clubs and organisations, as well as 60 and 90 day notice accounts for those same segments. The society also offers fixed term bonds for businesses and a fixed term regular saver account, with maturity indicated in the catalogue itself.

Initiatives for first-time buyers and savers

MHBS promotes a rent to own initiative designed to make it easier for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder. It also encourages savers to start with contributions from £10 a month through its fixed term regular saver account.

In the community sphere, the institution has reached a milestone of one million pounds in community donations, a figure it publicises through its Thrive programme and its community fund.

Customer service, accessibility and security

The society structures its help and support section around contact, finding branches and accessibility resources. It includes a customer care hub, a OneBanx kiosk, information on membership and exclusive products for members, as well as guidance on accessing services and using the website. On protection, it offers content on fraud and cybersecurity, the Take Five campaign to stop fraud, help with authorised push payment (APP) scams and practical tips.

The institution also provides information on the FSCS deposit protection scheme, account terms and conditions, ISA changes and the procedure for notifying the death of a member. At corporate level, it publishes documentation on the annual general meeting, its financial statements, corporate governance, ethics and diversity, and employment opportunities.

Regulation and mutual nature

Market Harborough Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, with Financial Services Register number 206041. The institution participates in the Financial Ombudsman Scheme. Its status as a member-owned society since 1870 is one of the features the institution itself highlights in its presentation.

Location and contact

Newcombe House (Head Office), 16 The Point, Market Harborough, LE16 7QU · Telephone: 01858 412412 · Email: customersfirst@mhbs.co.uk