Skipton Building Society was founded in 1853 by benevolent industrialists including George Kendall and Samuel Farey in Skipton, West Yorkshire. It originally started as the Skipton and District Permanent Benefit Building Society, created as a safe place for people to deposit savings and earn returns, supporting the local community and evolving alongside societal changes. The society grew steadily through the 19th and 20th centuries, opening its first branch in Harrogate in 1947 and expanding its services and geographic reach.

Over time, Skipton Building Society distinguished itself by resisting the trend to become a bank, instead diversifying into various financial services sectors to better serve its members and the broader building society market. It established subsidiaries like Homeloan Management Ltd and Skipton Financial Services Ltd to provide mortgage administration and independent financial advice respectively. The society became a significant player in outsourced mortgage processing and financial services, acquiring other companies such as Mortgage Systems in 1990 and gaining majority control of Direct Life and Pensions Services in 2001.

The society maintains a strong commitment to supporting customers through all stages of life, emphasizing community and member-focused values. Skipton has continually evolved with modern financial needs while upholding its foundational principles of security and service. It is currently the fourth largest building society in the UK, known for its stability, diversification, and member-first approach.

Skipton International, a wholly owned subsidiary bank based in Guernsey, was formed in 2009 from the merger of Skipton Guernsey and Scarborough Channel Islands. It provides mortgages and savings accounts primarily to Channel Island residents and supports affordable housing schemes there. Skipton Building Society remains a key financial institution with a broad range of products tailored to meet its members’ needs across the UK and offshore.

Headquartered in Skipton, the Society combines a long history of mutual values with innovative financial services, maintaining a strong presence and reputation within the UK financial sector. Through its subsidiaries and partnerships, Skipton continues to expand its reach and impact in the financial services industry while staying true to its heritage.