Latest news with #SwanseaBuildingSociety
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Swansea Building Society Launches New Mobile App
Swansea Building Society has officially launched its new mobile app. The new digital service marks a significant step forward for the Society it said, enabling customers to transfer funds between existing Society accounts, withdraw funds to nominated accounts (subject to account terms), and set and monitor personal savings goals. The platform also gives users access to mortgage information, secure messaging with the Society's team, and the ability to manage marketing preferences and voting options for the Society's AGM. In doing so, Swansea Building Society becomes the first Welsh building society to offer a dedicated savings app — which it described as another milestone in its journey to deliver greater accessibility for members across Wales and beyond. Initially launched via the web in early April, followed by an iOS release in May, the app is now also available on Android devices. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Security has been a core focus during the app's development, which spanned 12 to 18 months. The result is an app that includes biometric authentication such as Face ID and Touch ID. Throughout the development process, Swansea Building Society said it aimed to provide a high-quality, secure user experience while maintaining the core values that set the Society apart. It said that while this new service offers convenience and flexibility for customers who prefer to manage their finances digitally, it is intended to enhance — not replace — the Society's longstanding commitment to personal, face-to-face service through its branch network. Nick Longar, Head of IT at Swansea Building Society, said: 'We developed the app and online platform using a phased approach to ensure everything met our standards for usability and security. It's a major advancement for the Society, giving our customers access to their accounts in a way that suits their lifestyle — all while keeping their information safe and secure.' Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, added: 'This launch represents a pivotal moment for us as we continue to evolve to meet our customers' needs. Our digital service complements the personal approach that has always been central to our ethos. With this latest development, we are proud to offer more choice, more flexibility, and even better service — without compromising on what makes us different.' The launch of the new app and online service follows the Society's fourth consecutive year of record growth. The Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.
Business News Wales
26-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Swansea Building Society Celebrates Record Results at AGM
Swansea Building Society Celebrates Record Results at AGM Swansea Building Society held its annual general meeting (AGM) to present and explain its best-ever financial performance to members. It said the results reflected the Society's continued focus on supporting local communities through its growing network of branches across South Wales, alongside the benefits of an ongoing investment programme that began in 2015. The AGM at the Stadium also marked the beginning of the Society's new charity partnership with Prostate Cymru. A cheque for £2,000 was presented to the charity, reflecting the Society's pledge to donate a pound for each member vote received. In addition to reviewing its financial performance, the Society announced the successful launch of its brand-new mobile app and online service, which now allows customers to open a savings account and manage their finances at their convenience. This development was highlighted as an enhancement — rather than a replacement — of the Society's highly valued face-to-face service through its local branch network. Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said: 'We were delighted to report another record set of results and to celebrate them in the company of our members at this year's AGM. Our record asset growth, supported by strong profitability, has further strengthened our foundations for sustainable future growth. 'Alongside our financial achievements, we have continued to invest in the Society to ensure it remains modern, relevant, and accessible. The launch of our new app and online savings service is a key part of this — giving members the convenience of managing their money in the way that suits them best. 'That said, we remain absolutely passionate about our objective of opening and not closing branches, preserving personal, face-to-face service for those who prefer it. The app is designed to complement this, not replace it. 'Our continued growth and high levels of customer satisfaction reflect the care and dedication of our team, and I am proud of the positive difference we continue to make to our members and our local communities.' The Society achieved double digit growth in its total assets, mortgages, savings and capital for the fourth year running, despite the difficult economic environment. For the year to December 31, 2024, total assets and savings both grew by 14%, while mortgages grew by 11%. Total assets increased by £86.7m to £693.7 million and savings balances increased by £81.8 million to £647.3 million, while mortgage balances grew by £52.3million to £530.1 million, driven by gross mortgage completions of £111.0 million. The Society's growth was supported by record profits before tax of £6.3 million, beating the previous record of £6.2 million achieved in 2023. This increased the Society's capital reserves by 12% to £44.5 million. This is vitally important, as it provides greater reserves to support members achieve their financial goals. The Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Prostate test could 'save lives and embarrassment'
A prostate cancer blood test could save "lives and embarrassment" if it was made more widely available, a charity has claimed. Prostate Cymru aim to test thousands of men in Wales for signs of the disease, but the charity said many face difficulties in getting a free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test from their GP, with some refused. The charity said the demand from men aged above 50 has increased with more awareness. A Welsh government spokesperson said the particular test is not always the right intervention for men without symptoms of prostate cancer. Chris Hoy says raising cancer awareness gives him purpose The choir breaking down cancer taboos What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Former S4C weather presenter Chris Jones, 59, who is an ambassador for the charity, was diagnosed with early stages prostate cancer himself after cells were detected in 2018. "It's so, so important to go for a PSA test early," said Chris, who now gets tested every year. "[This campaign] takes the test to the man, rather than the man having to go to the doctor and being embarrassed. "It could basically save lives, it's as simple as that." A pilot was held in April last year and the charity said 200 men were tested, with 18 requiring further investigation. Among them was Martin Lewis, an area manager for Swansea Building Society, who said the test turned out to be "one of the most important decisions" in his life. "Like many men, I had no symptoms and wouldn't have thought to get tested," Mr Lewis said. He is now undergoing treatment and is urging other men to get tested. The blood test measures the level of PSA protein, produced by the prostate gland, and may help detect early prostate cancer. If a raised PSA level is detected, men may be offered an MRI scan of the prostate to help decide further tests or treatment is needed. But NHS Wales said results can be unreliable, so men are not routinely offered it. Welsh government said there is national guidance to support GPs to have discussions with asymptomatic men who are concerned about their risk. In Bridgend on Sunday, at the first event of the charity's testing tour, nurse Amy Griffiths said the process is "literally a two second job". "We take one sample of blood, it's sent off to the lab, and the results come back in the next few days," she said. Retired consultant urologist and Prostate Cymru chairman, Andy Thomas, said the demand is high. "It's the first part of the process in being diagnosed, or excluded, of having prostate cancer," he said. "We used to test men with our fingers, and that's really put off men from being tested, so the PSA test has been deemed more important." The charity's Tina Tew said the process of getting a test from a GP isn't always easy. "We constantly hear of men who have had difficulties in obtaining a GP appointment, and in some cases being refused a test," she said. "The evidence tells us that if we could make it easier for men to get tested, more men would welcome a test." More than 3,000 tests will be made available, costing over £100,000, the charity said. It has seven remaining testing dates in its tour, stopping in Cowbridge, Brecon, Swansea, Cardiff, Llanelli, Narbeth and Aberystwyth, and is exploring options in north Wales. The Welsh Government said: "A PSA test is not always the right intervention for men without symptoms of prostate cancer. "Men who do not have any symptoms but are concerned about their risk should seek advice from their GP before undertaking a PSA test." New blood test could catch prostate cancer early Experts encouraged by new prostate cancer test
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Prostate test could 'save lives and embarrassment'
A prostate cancer blood test could save "lives and embarrassment" if it was made more widely available, a charity has claimed. Prostate Cymru aim to test thousands of men in Wales for signs of the disease, but the charity said many face difficulties in getting a free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test from their GP, with some refused. The charity said the demand from men aged above 50 has increased with more awareness. A Welsh government spokesperson said the particular test is not always the right intervention for men without symptoms of prostate cancer. Chris Hoy says raising cancer awareness gives him purpose The choir breaking down cancer taboos What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Former S4C weather presenter Chris Jones, 59, who is an ambassador for the charity, was diagnosed with early stages prostate cancer himself after cells were detected in 2018. "It's so, so important to go for a PSA test early," said Chris, who now gets tested every year. "[This campaign] takes the test to the man, rather than the man having to go to the doctor and being embarrassed. "It could basically save lives, it's as simple as that." A pilot was held in April last year and the charity said 200 men were tested, with 18 requiring further investigation. Among them was Martin Lewis, an area manager for Swansea Building Society, who said the test turned out to be "one of the most important decisions" in his life. "Like many men, I had no symptoms and wouldn't have thought to get tested," Mr Lewis said. He is now undergoing treatment and is urging other men to get tested. The blood test measures the level of PSA protein, produced by the prostate gland, and may help detect early prostate cancer. If a raised PSA level is detected, men may be offered an MRI scan of the prostate to help decide further tests or treatment is needed. But NHS Wales said results can be unreliable, so men are not routinely offered it. Welsh government said there is national guidance to support GPs to have discussions with asymptomatic men who are concerned about their risk. In Bridgend on Sunday, at the first event of the charity's testing tour, nurse Amy Griffiths said the process is "literally a two second job". "We take one sample of blood, it's sent off to the lab, and the results come back in the next few days," she said. Retired consultant urologist and Prostate Cymru chairman, Andy Thomas, said the demand is high. "It's the first part of the process in being diagnosed, or excluded, of having prostate cancer," he said. "We used to test men with our fingers, and that's really put off men from being tested, so the PSA test has been deemed more important." The charity's Tina Tew said the process of getting a test from a GP isn't always easy. "We constantly hear of men who have had difficulties in obtaining a GP appointment, and in some cases being refused a test," she said. "The evidence tells us that if we could make it easier for men to get tested, more men would welcome a test." More than 3,000 tests will be made available, costing over £100,000, the charity said. It has seven remaining testing dates in its tour, stopping in Cowbridge, Brecon, Swansea, Cardiff, Llanelli, Narbeth and Aberystwyth, and is exploring options in north Wales. The Welsh Government said: "A PSA test is not always the right intervention for men without symptoms of prostate cancer. "Men who do not have any symptoms but are concerned about their risk should seek advice from their GP before undertaking a PSA test." New blood test could catch prostate cancer early Experts encouraged by new prostate cancer test
