News Archive
Epsom & Ewell Colts FC - Under 18's Win the Surrey Youth Cup Final
17 May 2011 - National Counties offers its congratulations to the successful Epsom & Ewell Colts FC Under 18 team who won the Surrey Youth Cup Final 2 -0 against Walton & Hersham Youth FC on Wednesday 11 May. To see photographs and read a brief report click here (this will take you to the Epsom & Ewell Colt's website).
2010 Member survey
National Counties would like to thank the many members who responded to our 2010 Member Survey, undertaken in conjunction with our summer newsletter. The survey asked you to tell us how we were doing - here are a few of the results:
- Over 94% of members agreed that the Society's savings and mortgage products "meet" or "exceed" their expectations.
- Over 87% of all customer contacts are dealt with "well" or "very well", whether these are conducted in person, by phone, post or email.
- 85% of members would recommend the Society to their family or friends.
Please click here to read the Members Update and Notice of AGM.
National Counties' members support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
By voting online in this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) National Counties' members will be raising money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The charity supports the work of world-leading cancer centre, The Royal Marsden at its sites in Sutton, near to National Counties' head office in Epsom, and Chelsea. On behalf of its members, National Counties will donate 25p to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity for every AGM vote cast online.
Jessica Harris, Marketing and Communications Officer at National Counties Building Society, said "We are looking forward to a positive response from our members and hope to donate a significant amount to the charity."
National Counties Building Society rewards regular ISA savers
21 March 2011 - National Counties helps savers make the most of their annual tax-free savings allowance by enhancing its 45 Day Notice Cash ISA from 6th April 2011. Click here to read the entire press release alternatively click here to find out more about our 45 Day Notice Cash ISA.
ncbs launches 2 year fixed rate mortgage at 3.09%
1 March 2011 - National Counties Building Society announces the launch of a 2 Year Fixed Rate mortgage, available for direct applications only. This product offers a fixed rate of 3.09% until 31st March 2013, followed by our standard variable rate (SVR), currently 4.69% for the remaining term. The overall cost for comparison is 4.7% APR. An early repayment charge (ERC) is applicable for the duration of the fixed rate term. Loans are available exclusively for purchase applications up to 75% of the purchase price. Please click here for more information on the product..
National counties building society makes buying first first home easier with 95% Guarantor Mortgage
Building society's Guarantor Mortgage helps first time buyers into the property market.
Following the recent First Time Buyer industry summit chaired by Housing Minister Grant Shapps, National Counties Building Society is delighted to offer support to first time buyers across England and Wales with its Family First Guarantor Mortgage. The product offers first time buyers a 95% mortgage by taking into account a family member's existing housing equity. Click here to read the press release in full.
NCBS helps the British Heart Foundation to strut its stuff
National Counties is to be the key sponsor for British Heart Foundations (BHF) fashion show that is to be held in Bourne Hall, Ewell on 17th June 2011. The BHF has once again teamed up with Epsom University for the Creative Arts (UCA), who will be designing the outfits from donated dresses to the BHF Epsom store and by the organisers, these dresses will then be auctioned off at the end of the show. Please click here for the full release.
National counties' members support the children's trust
On behalf of its members, National Counties Building Society has donated £650 to help support the work of The Children's Trust, Tadworth, Surrey. The Trust is a national charity which provides specialist care to some of the UK's most severely disabled children, and rehabilitation to children with an acquired brain injury. Click here to read the press release in full.
increased protection for savers
1 January 2011 - The amount protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has increased from £50,000 to £85,000 with effect from 1st January 2011, increasing the protection offered to our investors. The FSCS is an independent body established under the Financial Services & Markets Act 2000, which safeguards deposits with banks or building societies in the UK. National Counties, like most building societies, participates in the Scheme and eligible investor's savings are now covered by the increased limit.
The £85,000 limit relates to the total amount in all of an eligible investor's accounts (shares or deposits) with the Society, including their share of any joint account, and not to each separate account. For joint accounts each account holder is treated as having a claim in respect of their share so, for an account held by two eligible investor's, the maximum amount that can now be claimed is £85,000 each (making a total of £170,000).
For further information about the scheme (including the amounts covered and eligibility to claim) please ask at our Epsom branch, call us on 01372 747771, refer to the FSCS website at www.fscs.org.uk or call 020 7741 4100 or 0800 678 1100.
3rd issue index linked savings bond fully subscribed
9 November 2010 - National Counties' 3rd Issue Index Linked Savings Bond is now fully subscribed following a positive response from customers who could not successfully apply for the 2nd Issue. The 3rd Issue was introduced exclusively for customers showing interest in our 2nd Issue Index Linked Savings Bond.
No further applications will be accepted on 3rd Issue from close of business on 9th November.
2nd Issue Index Linked Savings Bond is withdrawn with immediate effect
19 October 2010 - As it now fully subscribed the 2nd Issue Index Linked Savings Bond has been withdrawn and replaced by a 3rd Issue, which is available exclusively for customers who have already received an application form or applied online for the withdrawn 2nd Issue. The 3rd Issue's indexation period is five years and two months (two months longer than the 2nd Issue) and it matures on 1 February 2016 instead of 1 December 2015 - all other terms and conditions are the same as for the 2nd Issue.
As with its predecessor, availability of the 3rd Issue is limited and may be fully subscribed within a few days. Customers who are yet to post their application form are urged to do so quickly to avoid possible disappointment, amending the second page of the application form to show that they wish to apply for the 3rd Issue.
The Society introduces a new Buy to Let 5 year fixed rate mortgage
13 October 2010 - The Society's Buy To Let product range was today improved upon with the launch of it's new 5 year Fixed Rate mortgage. This product offers a fixed rate of 5.79% until 30 September 2015, followed by our Standard Variable Rate (SVR), currently 5.44%. The overall cost for comparison is 5.8% APR. An Early Repayment Charge (ERC) is applicable for the duration of the fixed rate term. Loans will be considered up to 70% of the property value or purchase price, whichever is the lower. For further details about this new mortgage product,
National Counties launches the 2nd Issue Index Linked Savings Bond
07 October 2010 - Savers were offered protection against the effects of inflation today when National Counties unveiled its latest inflation beating savings account '2nd Issue Index Linked Saving Bond'. In return for depositing money for 5 years the 2nd Issue Index Linked Savings Bond offers savers a pre-tax return of 50% more than inflation. For most savers who pay no more than basic rate income tax this means a net of tax return which is 20% higher than inflation assuming current tax rates apply on maturity in 2015. Non-tax payers can earn the full return of 150% of inflation by registering for gross interest using HMRC form R85. To read the press release in full, click here.
The 2nd Issue Index Linked Savings Bond is a limited issue account and any savers wishing to apply are urged to act quickly as the issue may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. For further details about the 2nd Issue Index Linked Savings Bond please click here.
National Counties appoints Polly Williams as non-executive Chairman
28 September 2010 - National Counties Building Society has announced the appointment of Polly Williams (pictured) as non-executive Chairman of the Board with effect from 1 October 2010. Polly takes over from John Sinclair, who is stepping down from the post, which he has had held since April 2004, preparatory to his forthcoming retirement as a non-executive director of the Society later this year. To read the full press release click here.
Epsom & Ewell Colts FC receives FA award at Fulham Football Ground
16th September 2010 - Epsom & Ewell Colts were awarded with the FA Charter Standard award at Fulham FC's football club on Saturday 11th September. The award was presented at half-time of the premiership match between Fulham FC and Wolves and gave the Epsom & Ewell Colts players a chance to showcase their new winter tops, sponsored by National Counties Building Society. To read the press release in full click here.
ncbs withdraws 1 & 2 year option for the 40th Issue savings bond - 3 year option remains available
15 September 2010 - National Counties Building Society today withdrew the 1 and 2 year term options of the 40th Issue Savings Bond with immediate effect. For customers who have already received an application pack, applications will continue to be accepted until close of business Thursday 30 September 2010. The 3 year option of the 40th Issue Savings Bond remains available until further notice at 3.76% gross AER*.
National counties closure deadlines for its 2nd Issue Index Linked Cash ISA
9th September 2010 - Following withdrawal of the 2nd Issue Index Linked Cash ISA for new enquires on 26 August, National Counties' has carefully monitored applications and transfer-in requests to ensure enough time is available for funds to be received from other ISA providers. To allow for transfers to be completed by the 30 September, National Counties' will accept no further requests for transfers from other providers after today. Applications for new customers making this year's subscription of £5,100 will continue to be accepted up to Friday 17 September. For existing customers applications will continue to be accepted for this years subscription and for internal transfers until Friday 24 September.
National counties customer newsletter
3rd September 2010 - To view our latest newsletter please click here.
National Counties withdraws its 2nd Issue index linked cash isa
26 August 2010 - National Counties withdrew its 2nd Issue Index Linked Cash ISA to new enquires with effect from 5pm on Thursday 26 August 2010. For a limited period the Society will continue to accept applications and transfer requests^ from new and existing customers who have already received an application pack or applied using the Online service. These pack-holders and Online applicants must act quickly to finalise their application submissions in order to avoid disappointment as this product is a limited issue and will be closed without further notice once it is fully subscribed or by 30 September 2010 at the latest, in readiness for indexation to commence on 1 October 2010.
^Transfer requests: Customers wishing to transfer-in an existing Cash ISA should note that all valid requests received and acknowledged by the Society as having been accepted must be completed by 30 September 2010 as transferred funds received after this date cannot be applied once indexation has commenced. Unfortunately, the time taken to complete a transfer is largely outside of the Society's control as it depends on the existing Cash ISA provider acting promptly. Around the middle of September we will write to customers whose transfer-in requests remain outstanding, so that appropriate contact might be made with the existing provider.
national counties launches its 2nd issue index linked cash isa
16 August 2010 - National Counties Building Society introduces a new Cash ISA account to its range with the launch of its 2nd Issue Index Linked Cash ISA. This is a Limited Issue account and will guarantee an inflation beating return over 5 years. For further details about the 2nd Issue Index Cash ISA account please click here. To read the press release in full click here.
national counties launches its 1st Issue Notice Saver
16 August 2010 - National Counties Building Society today launched its 1st Issue Notice Saver as a replacement for the Direct 90 Notice account. The account offers a tiered variable annual or monthly interest rate, with a minimum account balance of £1,000. Withdrawals are allowed after 45 days notice. The Notice Saver account has been launched as a replacement to the Direct 90 Notice account which has been withdrawn today. For further details about the Notice Saver Account please click here. To read the press release in full click here.
national counties' Epsom 10K Run will take place on Sunday 26 September 2010
29 July 2010 - National Counties announces that this year's Epsom 10K Charity Run will take place on Sunday 26 September 2010. The race will start this year at the earlier time of 9.00am from the western end of Epsom market place.
Entry Fees are as follows:
In advance non - Affiliated are £10.00 Affiliated are £8.00
All entries on the Day are £12.00
ncbs launches the new 40th issue fixed rate savings bond
21 May 2010 - National Counties Building Society today launched its 40th Issue Fixed Rate Savings Bond as replacement for the Society's 39th Issue Savings Bond which will be withdrawn today. The bond will offer a choice of fixed rate terms, 3.76% Gross AER* fixed for 3 years, 3.25% Gross AER* fixed for 2 years and 2.70% Gross AER* fixed for 1 year. To read the press release in full click here.
national counties launches three new mortgage products
30th April 2010 - National Counties Building Society today announces that it will be launching three new owner occupier mortgage products. For purchase, a Please click here for more information on the product. of 4.09% until 31/08/2013 and for remortgage, with a free valuation and free legal fees, 4.29% Please click here for more information on the product. until 31/08/2013. The launch also sees the addition of a two year Tracker product offering 1.74% over bank of England bank rate subject to a minimum rate payable of 2.99%. Like the 4.29% Fixed Rate the Tracker product is only available for remortgage and offers incentives including free valuation and free legal fees.
Customers can contact the National Counties' customer centre on 0845 603 4876.
national counties steps up the reward for isa savers with its new 45 Day Notice Cash ISA
1 March 2010 - National Counties Building Society launched its 1st Issue 45 Day Notice Cash ISA, in readiness for the start of the new tax year after Easter on Tuesday 6 April. This new Cash ISA offers a competitive variable interest rate up to 3.10% tax-free AER* for balances of £35,000 and above. The new account is tiered, to reward growth in the balance as further subscriptions are paid in each tax year, and starts at 2.00% tax-free AER* for the minimum balance of £3,000. To read the press release in full click here.
ncbs launches the new 39th issue fixed rate savings bond
22 February 2010 - National Counties Building Society today launched its 39th Issue Fixed Rate Savings Bond. The bond will offer a choice of fixed rate terms, 3.76% Gross AER* fixed to 14 March 2013, 3.51% Gross AER* fixed to 14 March 2012 and 2.86% Gross AER* fixed to 14 March 2011. This new bond will replace the Society's 3 year 35th Issue Savings Bond, 1 year 38th Issue Savings Bond and the 1st Issue Stepped Rate Bond.
National Counties' savings accounts are the most consistent according to Moneyfacts®
15 February 2010 - In the latest Moneyfacts® quarterly Consistency Survey, published on 19 January 2010, National Counties was found to have the most consistent savings accounts of any UK building society or bank, with 5 entries in the 8 consistency tables compiled by Moneyfacts.co.uk, the leading independent provider of personal finance information. The accounts featured were the Direct Access Share Account over 18 and 36 months, the Direct 90 Notice Account over 18 and 36 months and the 2nd Issue Cash ISA over 36 months. These results emphasise the long term value National Counties' savings accounts offer for customers. Click here to read the full Moneyfacts article. Also find out what Moneyfacts® had to say in our latest Members Update (to be issued March 2010). Click here to read the full article.
NCBS launches a 4th Issue fixed rate cash isa to its existing customers
16 November 2009 - NCBS today announces the launch of its new 4th Issue Fixed Rate Cash ISA which is the replacement for the 3rd Issue. The 4th Issue Fixed Rate Cash ISA will only be available to existing National Counties' customers and offers a 1 year option at 2.50% Gross, 2 year option at 3.00% Gross and a 3 year option 3.25% Gross. To read the press release in full click here.
Direct access share, instant access and direct access deposit account terms amended
1 November 2009 - The Direct Access Share, Instant Access and Direct Access Deposit accounts terms have been amended to include an additional interest rate tier. Withdrawals have also been limited to a maximum of twelve withdrawals per calendar year. For more details about the interest rate tiers please click here.
ncbs launches the new 38th Issue savings bond
26 October 2009 - National Counties Building Society launched its 38th Issue Savings Bond. The bond will offer a fixed rate for 1 year at 3.25% Gross AER*. This new bond will replace the Society's 37th Issue Savings Bond.
ncbs launches the new 37th issue savings bond
1 October 2009 - National Counties Building Society has launched its 37th Issue Savings Bond which offers a fixed rate for 1 year at 3.51% gross AER*.
ISA allowance increase for the over 50's
6 October 2009 - The ISA subscription limit will increase to £10,200 for anyone eligible to invest in an ISA who was born on or before 5 April 1960 (i.e. who will be aged 50 or over during the current tax year). Up to £5,100 of the new ISA allowance can be saved in a Cash ISA with one provider. The remainder of the £10,200 can be invested in a Stocks and Shares ISA with the same or another provider. Alternatively, the full £10,200 can be invested in a Stocks and Shares ISA with one provider.
The higher limits will apply to all eligible ISA investors from 6 April 2010.
If you will be aged 50 years or over on or before 5 April 2010 and have already subscribed to a Cash ISA with us since 6 April 2009, then from 6 October we will accept further payments into your Cash ISA up to the maximum of £5,100 for the tax-year ended 5 April 2010.
national counties launches its 1st Issue Stepped rate bond
4 September 2009 - National Counties Building Society has launched a Stepped Rate Bond with an interest rate which rises over the 5 year term to 6.00% gross (4.37% gross AER*). The 1st Issue Stepped Rate Bond is available from 7 September 2009 and gives savers the opportunity to secure a rate which is guaranteed to increase over the term of their investment. To read the press release in full click here.
national counties issues September 2009 newsletter
4 September 2009 - National Counties latest newsletter includes articles on the increased ISA allowance, launch of the Stepped Rate Bond, helpful Q & A's and some other highlights for National Counties during this year. To view the September 2009 Newsletter click here.
national counties' members support The children's trust on its 25th anniversary
24 June 2009 - National Counties Building Society, on behalf of it's members, has donated £1,100 to help support the work of The Children's Trust. The money was raised as a result of a recent customer questionnaire, whereby for every completed questionnaire which was received by the Society, 25p was donated to the Trust.
To read the press release in full click here
Click on the following link to find out more about The Children's Trust.
ncbs withdraws 1 year option for the 35th issue savings bond - 3 year option remains available
19 June 2009 - National Counties Building Society today withdrew the 1 year term option of the popular 35th Issue Savings Bond with immediate effect. This withdrawal was prompted by the high volume of applications being received, which would otherwise have an adverse effect on customer service standards. The 3 year option of the 35th Issue Savings Bond remains available until further notice at 4.31% gross AER*.
National counties building society wins top isa award
12 June 2009 - National Counties Building Society won the title Best Cash ISA Provider for 2009 at this year's Moneyfacts Awards, underlining its philosophy of offering consistently competitive products.
To read the press release in full click here
NCBS launches the new 35th Issue Savings Bond
1 June 2009 - National Counties Building Society launched its 35th Issue Savings Bond. The bond will offer a fixed rate for 1 year at 3.91% Gross AER* and a fixed rate for 3 years at 4.31% gross AER*. This new bond will replace the Society's 34rd Issue Savings Bond.
National Counties announces its new Guaranteed Cash ISA 2009/10
28th March 2009 - National Counties today announces the launch of its Guaranteed Cash ISA 2009/10, the new ISA will be available from 6 April 2009 and offers savers a highly competitive tax-free interest rate of 3.26% AER*.
The limited issue product includes a guarantee that its variable interest rate will be at least 1.0% above the Bank of England bank rate until 5th April 2010. The tax free account can be opened with a minimum of £1 up to the statutory limit of £3,600 for 2009/10 and is available online as well as by phone and post.
To read the press release in full click here
NCBS launches the new 34th Issue Savings Bond
17th March 2009 - National Counties Building Society will launch its 34th Issue Savings Bond on Monday 20th April. The bond will offer a fixed rate for 1 year at 3.26% Gross AER* and a fixed rate for 3 years at 3.76% gross AER*. This new bond will replace the Society's current 33rd Issue Savings Bond.
National Counties Local Sponsorship
National Counties Building Society is a local, mutual building society and one of our priorities is to support our local community. In 2008 we spent over £8,000 in the form of sponsorship, advertisements and supporting local companies.
To read about two of our successful projects click here
national counties launches a new bond
20th February 2009 - National Counties Building Society announces the launch of its new savings bond. The 33rd Issue Savings Bond will be available from 23rd February 2009 and will offer a fixed rate for either 1 or 3 years. The 1 year bond will offer a fixed rate of 2.85% and the 3 year fixed rate will boast an annual interest of 3.25% Gross.
To read the press release in full Click here
NCBS launches a 3rd Issue fixed rate cash isa to its existing customers
23rd January 2009 - NCBS today announces the launch of its new 3rd Issue Fixed Rate Cash ISA. The ISA will only be available to existing National Counties' customers and offers a rate of 3.00% Gross AER* over 1 or 3 years.
To read the press release in full Click here
National Counties announces new savings Bond
23rd January 2009 - NCBS today announces the launch of its new saving bond. The 32nd Issue Saving Bond will be available from 26th January 2009 and will offer a fixed rate for either 1 or 3 years. Both the 1 year and 3 year fixed rate will pay an annual interest of 3.50% Gross.
To read the press release in full Click here
NCBS decreases its rates on various mortgage products
22nd January 2009 - National Counties Building Society today announces that it will be reducing its interest rates from 5th February 2009. The products that will be affected are as follows:
Standard Variable base rate will decrease by 0.35% to 4.69%
Standard Variable Fleximortgage base rate will decrease by 0.35% to 4.89%
Residential Investment Standard Variable base rate will decrease by 0.35% to 5.44%
Loyalty Discount will decrease from 0.40% to 0.25%
Bank Rate Tracker products will decrease by 0.50% from 25 February 2009
NCBS responds to Bank of England rate change
11th December 2008 - In response to the December Bank of England rate change, National Counties Building Society have responded with a change to its rates.
For full details of these saving rate changes please Click here
2nd Issue Fixed Rate Cash ISA
12th December 2008 - National Counties Building Society today announced the launch of its 2nd Issue Fixed Rate Cash ISA. This product will be available from 15th December 2008 for a limited period and offers a choice of fixed rates over 1 or 3 years, accepts transfers and allows withdrawals. The 1 year fixed rate ISA will pay 3.55% Gross AER* and the 3 year fixed rate will pay 3.85% Gross AER*.
To read the press release in full click Click here
National Counties announces reduced loan to value
27th October 2008 - With effect Monday 1 December National Counties maximum loan to value for all Residential Investment products will be reduced from 75% to 70%.
National Counties sponsors 'The Italian Job'
17th October 2008 - National Counties Building Society, Epsom is to be the primary sponsor for Sergeant Bryan Gibson's entry into The Italian Job, a car rally in aid of children's charities. The event starts in Imola, Italy on the 24th October 2008 and finishes in Brighton, England on 1st November 2008.National Counties will supply the entry fee for this demanding 10 day journey. The trip is a total of 3200 miles and Bryan will be taking on this challenge in his 18 year old mini.
National Counties presents to the 'Old guys'
22nd September 2008 - National Counties Building Society, Epsom sponsored the Veteran class at the Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association Annual Horseshow on 21st September 2008. The National Counties cup was presented to Fredi Fuller for her great performance on her 21 year old pony, Prodney.
National Counties supports 'All Creatures Great and Small'
4th September 2008 - National Counties Building Society, Epsom is to be one of the sponsors for this years Horseman's Sunday at Epsom Downs on 28th September 2008. This year it is the 60th diamond anniversary of the event and to help celebrate the organisers are inviting you to bring all of your pets along to enjoy the day.
National counties building society to acquire Hampshire trust plc
National Counties Building Society, which celebrated the achievement of £1 billion of total assets earlier this year, announces that it has reached agreement to acquire Hampshire Trust plc, a bank with total assets of £28 million as at 30 April 2006.
News Archive
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