SKIPTON Building Society’s interim results for the first half of 2018 have been hailed as “a strong performance” by its chief executive.

The society, Britain’s fourth largest, has announced an increase in membership to over 971,900 and recorded a group profit before tax of £104.7million.

Group chief executive David Cutter said: “The Society’s performance in the first half of 2018 is pleasing, with sustainable growth in mortgage and savings balances, strong liquidity, and a growth in our net interest margin.

“ We have continued to invest in our ‘member offering’, and Skipton is now one of the few financial services providers on the UK high street to offer full mortgage and financial advice video appointments.

“ Called ‘Skipton Link’, this popular mortgages, investments and pensions service allows our members to link up via video from home or branch with any of our UK branches, Skipton’s head office or home-based financial advisers. As a mutual, we will continue re-investing in our business for the benefit of our members.

“Total cash LISA (lifetime ISA) balances amounted to £508.3 million and £99 million in government bonuses were paid to LISA customers during the period, a fantastic benefit for this new cohort of younger savers.

“In doing so we are continuing to deliver on our 165-year-old founding mutual purpose of helping people save for and buy their own homes.”

Staff are also celebrating after Skipton was named Best National Building Society in the 2018 ‘What Mortgage’ Awards - for the fifth year running.

The awards, now in their 25th year, are decided following a four-month consumer voting campaign.

Mr Cutter said: “ It recognises the hard work and dedication that colleagues put in right across the organisation to ensure that ‘Skipton is Building a better Society.’

“We are continually working hard to ensure our customers have the best experience during any interaction with the Society to ensure they achieve their dream of getting into their own home.

“Our colleagues are committed to putting the customer first and providing a first-rate service to mortgage brokers.”