Customers of the West Bromwich Building Society will get regular opportunities to have their voices heard by management through a new 15-person members’ council.

The West Brom, which was established in 1849 by 20 local people, has 37 branches across the Black Country, as well as Birmingham, Shropshire and Wales, and assets worth over £5bn.

There are currently around 430,000 members of the society, and anyone over 16, who has had a savings account or mortgage with the West Brom for over a year, can apply. Appointments will be made by October, after which meetings with the board and management team will be held on a quarterly basis, with the first one planned for January 2019.

A similar council for the organisation’s 750 staff is also being set up, to promote engagement, build relationships and ensure that all relevant voices and opinions are heard by those running the business.

Think Sandwell wishes the West Brom all the best for its new venture and will be following progress with interest. To find out how we can help you develop your business, visit our Business Services pages.