Darlington Building Society has reached a new milestone with total assets surpassing £1bn for the first time in its 169-year history.
The achievement marks another highlight in a year of significant milestones for the mutual, which has also celebrated 250 years since the start of the building society movement and 200 years since the world’s first passenger railway.
Over the past seven years, the Society has grown total assets by 64%, maintaining a balanced approach between savings and lending while serving almost 92,000 members across the North East.
The growth consolidates Darlington’s position among the UK’s top 20 building societies by asset size and follows its surpassing of £1m in charitable donations through its 5% Profits Pledge.
In September, Darlington launched the 1825 Railway Saver to mark the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which opened on 27th September 1825.
The product pays tribute to the town’s historical contribution to transport innovation and reflects the Society’s community heritage.
Chief executive Andrew Craddock (pictured) said: “Size does matter. The greater the level of assets, the more interest income we can generate to cover running costs, invest in our people and communities, provide competitive products, and maintain strong reserves.
“This milestone enhances the Society’s long-term resilience and sustainability.”
He added: “This achievement is the culmination of many years of careful, member-focused decision making.
“It puts us in a strong financial position for the future, and I’m incredibly proud of our colleagues and members who’ve made this possible.”
Darlington Building Society has also been shortlisted once again for ‘Best Self & Custom Build Mortgage Lender’ at the 2025 Build It Awards – the fourth consecutive year it has been recognised in the category, having previously won in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
