Do Leeds and Holbeck Building Society offer competitive products? Leeds and Holbeck Building SocietyLeeds and Holbeck's commitment to the principle of mutuality can be traced back to the first half of the nineteenth century. The Society was formally established in 1875 but its origins began 30 years earlier. In January 1845 a group of people formed the Leeds Union Operative Land and Building Society in Holbeck. Members regularly contributed towards shares. When there were sufficient funds, a ballot was held and a beneficiary was granted the necessary advance to buy a property. This procedure was repeated until all members were satisfied. In total, four Holbeck Societies were established and terminated. In 1874 the Societies Act was passed and in 1875 Leeds and Holbeck (Permanent) Building Society was founded by share holders of the original Holbeck Societies. By the end of the first year, 450 accounts had been opened and the Society had distributed a grand total of £16,000 in mortgage funds. In 1885, the Society established its Head Office in Albion Street where it remains today. The Holbeck premises became the first of its 62 branches. |