As a local society they claim to understand the needs of local people and be able to respond more quickly and with greater understanding than many other societies. They say you should not make a move without talking to them first.

As a top 20 building society they are committed to providing you with attractive mortgage and investment products, supported by efficient service levels from everyone in their business.

Scotland's first ever Building Society started life in 1848 as the Edinburgh Property Investment Company. Since those early days, there has been a substantial increase in the number of customers and the range of products offered.

There will always be one mortgage which suits your individual needs, so they offer a handy mortgage guide. It has been designed to give you a brief summary of the different options available.

They claim to have a powerful reputation within the industry for offering excellent investments and mortgages. They have a number of subsidiaries offering financial services such as share dealing and investing offshore.

Smile has been designed and built for the Internet and is part of The Co-operative Bank p.l.c. - one of the most innovative of the UK's high street banks. It was also the first UK bank to introduce a free banking service for all accounts on the Internet.

As from 1st August 2005, The Staffordshire Building Society ceased and now falls under the Portman Building Society.

Able to offer a full range of financial service products, including mortgages, savings and investment plans, life assurance and pension schemes, building and contents insurance and travel insurance.