Significant Voting Upturn At Successful Scarborough BS AGM

Press release published on 21 August 2006 by Scarborough Building Society

A significant increase in voting numbers at today’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) signals the success of a community and member engagement programme under way at Scarborough Building Society.

The percentage of people voting this year has increased by 14%, from 16.8% in 2005 to 19.2% this year – a turnout of 23,976 – reflecting a rising annual trend.

The figures were released following a successful 160 th anniversary AGM at the North Yorkshire-based mutual, which ratified an Annual Report & Accounts demonstrating another set of strong results for the 2005/6 period.

The voting numbers also compare well with peer organisations in the building society sector, where statistics released by the Building Societies Association for 2006 AGMs show an average voting turnout of 17.3%, based on the results of 58 societies.

Chief Executive John Carrier said he was delighted to report a successful AGM.

‘Today was a fitting end to what has been a year of continued growth and diversification for the Scarborough Group.

‘Our AGM provides us with a prime opportunity to catch up with our members each year and it is very encouraging to see so many of them taking the opportunity to have a say on the future of their Society.’

Mr Carrier said he believes a range of initiatives have contributed to healthy voting numbers.

For example, this was the second year in which Scarborough has included a special Connect member magazine with its AGM mailing. Designed in a consumer magazine style, this publication contains real life case studies featuring different people’s approach to savings and mortgages, handy hints and tips about financial issues and a summary of the Group’s community activities. It – and the voting pack itself – are peppered with reminders of the importance of voting.

In addition, Scarborough has developed a number of key community partnerships with organisations ranging from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to the Rotunda William Smith Museum of Geology in Scarborough. It supports these organisations through a blend of cash donation and staff volunteering support for initiatives such as clearing and planting activities at nature reserve sites.

In addition, the Scarborough regularly canvasses members’ opinion through vehicles like its website and regular customer research – all aimed at involving them in the development of their Society and encouraging them to have their say in its future direction.

Mr Carrier added: ‘We are pleased that a range of steps we have taken over the past 18 months or so to increase levels of communication and engagement with our members and communities seem to be paying off.

‘I believe the increase in voting numbers is a direct reflection of these moves, and the fact that people feel increasingly ‘bought into’ what we are trying to achieve on their behalf.

‘We are well aware that there is always more be done, though, and we will continue to look at new and innovative ways of engaging with our members, in line with our mutual ethos.’
Scarborough Building Society’s Annual General Meeting 2006.

Friday 18 August 2006 marked the 160th Annual General Meeting of Scarborough Building Society.

The meeting was held at our headquarters of Prospect House in Scarborough; where the following results were concluded:

Ordinary Resolutions

Voting	For	Against
2. To receive the Directors’ Report, Annual Accounts and Annual Business Statement for the year ended 30 April 2006	23,213	763
3. To Re-appoint KPMG Plc as the Society’s Auditors	22,797	1,179
4. To approve Directors remuneration Report for year ended 30 April 2005.	20,404	3,568

Re-election/Election of Directors

Voting	For	Against
6(a) Denise Jagger	21,798	2,156
6(b) Peter John Stuart Thompson (known as Nimble Thompson)	21,766	2,185
6(c) Martin Joseph Frazer	22,129	1,819
6(d) Andrew Charles David Holmes	22,090	1,860
6(e) Kevin David Moran	22,169	1,784

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