Kindred Values: Why Kerv Is a Natural Partner for Building Societies and Mutuals

Kindred Values: Why Kerv Is a Natural Partner for Building Societies and Mutuals

Published 07/07/25 under:

Building societies and mutuals hold a special place in the UK’s financial landscape. Rooted in communities, owned by their members, and driven by purpose rather than profit, they represent a model of finance that puts people first. Their mission isn’t about chasing the bottom line—it’s about being there for customers through life’s most important moments, with products and services designed to support, not exploit.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the very first building society, a remarkable milestone that was celebrated by many at the BSA Conference in Birmingham this May—an event the Kerv team were proud to attend. The celebrations served as a reminder of the sector’s deep history and the vital role mutuals continue to play in the UK’s financial ecosystem.

This people-before-profit ethos is something we deeply respect at Kerv—and it’s why we believe we’re such a natural fit for the mutuals sector.

Many of us at Kerv have spent years working with public sector and not-for-profit organisations, where trust, service and impact matter most. Our own business is built on a simple belief: technology should be used for good. That means helping organisations work smarter, support their teams, and improve outcomes—without losing the human touch that makes them unique.

We know that mutuals are often at a crossroads: wanting to innovate and modernise, but also determined to protect what matters—member relationships, community connections, and the trust that’s been built over decades.

A Technology Partner Who Shares Your Priorities

Whether it’s digitising member journeys, making smarter use of data, or exploring AI to ease pressure on stretched teams, we approach every project with the same mindset: collaboration, care, and clarity.

We’re proud to be Great Place to Work and our people-first culture extends to our clients. We build strong, down-to-earth relationships—acting as a trusted extension of your team. We’ll never suggest a solution just for the sake of it. We take the time to understand what you need and how to deliver it in a way that works for you.

Mark Jones, Client Services Director for the FS&I sector at Kerv says: “Having spent 25 years working in building societies like Alliance & Leicester and Coventry, I know first-hand how vital it is to put members at the heart of everything—and to support the staff who make it all happen. As mutuals celebrate their rich heritage and benefit from growing government recognition, we’re proud to offer practical IT and change leadership that helps them stay ahead—delivering modern, meaningful services without losing what makes them special.”

Big Enough to Deliver, Small Enough to Care

Kerv has led large-scale Microsoft implementations across public and regulated sectors—but we’re just as comfortable delivering smaller, focused projects that solve a specific challenge.

So whether you’re replacing a legacy CRM, exploring how to use AI responsibly, or looking to integrate Microsoft’s latest tools (like Dynamics 365, Copilot or Power Platform), we’re here to support you—at your pace, and on your terms.

We also take our own responsibilities seriously, with strong sustainability goals, a commitment to inclusion, and a passion for innovation that drives meaningful outcomes—not just headlines.

Let’s Build Something Better

If you’re looking for a partner who understands your world, shares your values, and brings a calm, practical approach to digital transformation, we’d love to start a conversation.

At Kerv, we believe technology should never get in the way of people. It should empower them.

Just like you do, every day.

 

Mark.jones@kerv.com

Come and meet the team – we’re attending the AFM conference 13th-14th October – details here.

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