Ward House Mortgages and Life, which is also the Ryde agency of Yorkshire Building Society, is celebrating 35 years of serving the community tomorrow (31st October).
The agency, which is managed by Senior Partner Michael Ward, allows customers to open and manage savings through its partnership with Yorkshire Building Society, as well as providing mortgage and life insurance advice through Ward House directly.
In 1988 the company opened on Cross Street and then moved to its current premises on Union Street 20 years ago. The business became an agent for the Yorkshire Building Society in 2010 and has offered access to its savings services for the last 13 years.
Since the late 80s the community has seen many changes. Ryde has gone from having 10 building societies and banks on its High Street to just 2 building societies and 1 bank. Ward House is the only building society to open 6-days-a-week to serve local residents.
Commitment to the community has been at the heart of Michael’s business since Day 1. Since opening its doors, Ward House Mortgages and Life has raised almost £30,000 for local causes through charity challenges, collections and via donations from Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation. The agency also dedicates one of its windows to community causes, allowing charities to display posters and information.
Beneficiaries include Cruse Bereavement Care, John’s Club – Isle of Wight, Beaulieu House and Ryde Inshore Rescue. The agency remains a drop-off point for non-perishable food and toiletries for The Pop Up Soup Kitchen, and in 2020 Michael undertook a challenge of cycling 4,000 miles to raise £4,000 for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The target was surpassed and over £9,200 was raised for the charity.
The establishment will be hosting an open day tomorrow (Tuesday) to celebrate the occasion where gifts have been donated to give away. Window displays supporting Mountbatten Hospice will be on show with any donations received going to this cause.
Michael Ward, proprietor of Ward House and Life, said:
“It has been a privilege to serve the community of Ryde for the last 35 years. We’re passionate about providing easy access to financial advice and services for our community and look forward to continuing to do so in the future.
“We’re incredibly proud of the work we have undertaken to benefit local causes and charities since we opened our doors in 1988 and it has been wonderful to reflect on the donations we’ve been able to make via Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation since becoming a Yorkshire Building Society agency 13 years ago.”
Colin Orr regional manager at Yorkshire Building Society said:
“At Yorkshire Building Society our purpose is real help with real lives, and this is what Michael and his team have offered residents of Ryde for the last 35 years.
“The collections and challenges that the agency team has undertaken alongside donations from Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation have raised a significant amount of money for local causes which will have had a huge impact on the local community.
“We congratulate Michael and his team for reaching this impressive milestone and are proud to support the agency in serving the people of Ryde into the future.”
Congratulations Michael, we gave always benefitted from your friendly expertise !
Many Thanks !