The Hinckley & Rugby Building Society’s mortgage advances rose by 8% to £111.9 million in the 12 months to the end of November 2014, up from 2013’s £103.7 million.
Announcing its full year results, Hinckley & Rugby also reported that it ended the year with a larger pipeline of mortgage business to the previous year – £34.6 million at the end of November 2014 (£33.8 million in 2013).
The net interest margin improved from 0.91% to 1.04% – the fourth consecutive year of growth. The margin has doubled since 2010.
The Society grew its profit before tax and the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme) levy – profit was up to £610,000, from £560,000. Profit after tax and the levy was £190,000, up from £70,000 a year before.
The Society’s total mortgage book ended the year higher, at £454 million – £8.6 million up on a year before. Buy-to-let mortgages totalled £77.8 million (£66.3 million in 2013).
There was a further fall in the number of borrowers in arrears – from 25 to 23. The Society has no arrears in its buy-to-let book. As per a year earlier, there were no respossessions.
Retail deposits from savers increased, up from £462.4 million at the end of November 2013 to £469 million in 2014. Branch-based easy access and notice accounts, including ISAs, proved popular and the branches and agencies achieved solid growth in their balances. The programme of branch refurbishments was completed during the year.
Chief executive Chris White (pictured) said: “Another 12 months of growth builds on our sustained increases in lending and margin over recent years. We are in a strong position from which to grow further whilst maintaining our traditional levels of service valued by customers.
“Hinckley & Rugby is on course for further progress, thanks to the hard work and commitment of our staff who put their skills and experience to work on behalf of our members.
“Our business development team is also continuing to work closely with a growing number of intermediaries, providing them with a proactive, professional and friendly service.”
Chairman Nigel Frostick added: “The directors consider that market conditions will remain challenging in 2015 and beyond and that, in particular, the low interest rate environment will continue to impact profit margins.
“However, we remain confident that the Society’s high quality balance sheet, robust capital ratios and careful approach to managing risk will continue to underpin its financial strength and place it in a strong position to trade through these conditions.”