Meet the Team
Our other Departments and Colleagues
Click the images to find out more
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Laura Bembridge
Branch & Savings Team LeaderLaura Bembridge
Branch & Savings Team LeaderHow long have you been in your current role?
I started this role in July 2019 but joined the Society in October 2015 as a customer service assistant.
Career background
Prior to working at esbs I worked as a store manager in food retail for 15 years.
Why did you join esbs?
I joined esbs as I was ready for a career change. I have held accounts with esbs since I was a child and like that the Society helps a lot of local charities. I also like how esbs treats people as individuals and has the personal touch
What it is about working at the Society that you enjoy the most?
Meeting new people and there is a different challenge everyday
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, and I like to travel and enjoy eating out with friends
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Matthew Rowell
Risk and Compliance OfficerMatthew Rowell
Risk and Compliance OfficerHow long have you been in your current role?
I joined the Society in October 2024
Career background
I have 25 years experience in and around the finance and the financial sector!!
I have worked for numerous companies in varied roles from lending approval, team management, risk/governance, and compliance
Why did you join esbs?
What appealed to me most was the overall working culture that fosters being open and honest.
This is evident in my experiences so far with all my colleagues and the fact that the society has been established for over 150 years
What it is about working at the Society that you enjoy the most?
The role I am now in will be both rewarding and challenging, but again I think the working culture and environment fostered aligns with my own key values
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I have a few interests outside of work, I look to follow most sports in general- most Rugby Union (retired ex-player!).
I am also a bit of a cinephile- I like to get to the cinema as much as I can (my favourite film of all time is Bladerunner)
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Jodie Maguire
Risk & Compliance AssistantJodie Maguire
Risk & Compliance AssistantHow long have you been in your current role?
I joined the Society in October 2019
Career background
Prior to this role I spent 13 years working for Swinton Insurance as a customer service associate
Why did you join esbs?
I joined the Society as it’s a lovely place that really looks after all its customers as my family can testify to as they have been customers for a number of years. A bonus is that it is local to where I live and the hours are perfect for me
What it is about working at the Society that you enjoy the most?
Quite simply the people! Everyone who works here has been so friendly and welcoming towards me. Also the role I do is very interesting and no two days are the same which I like
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I enjoy Formula One, baking, walking my dog and spending time with my husband and 2 children.
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Sarah Pyatt
Risk & Compliance AssistantSarah Pyatt
Risk & Compliance AssistantHow long have you been at the Society?
I joined esbs in October 2022
Career background
Administration and Customer Service roles. My most recent was as an administrator for a tyre company. Prior to this I was at a door manufacturing company for five years where I started as a customer service assistant and progressed throughout the company assisting in all departments, predominantly purchasing
Why did you join esbs?
I wanted a more challenging role with the opportunity to develop and progress. And a complete change from my previous positions
What it is about working at the Society which you enjoy the most?
I like the fact that everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, and people offering their assistance if needed
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I enjoy exercising, walking, swimming and the gym. I like to socialise and I enjoy spending time with my family.
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Simon Biggs
Data Transformation LeadSimon Biggs
Data Transformation LeadHow long have you been in your current role?
I joined the Society in December 2024
Career background
I started out in Risk Analytics in the Professional Services industry, transitioning into Forensic Investigative Analytics and then onto implementing compliance systems and data engineering
Why did you join esbs?
The culture and the personal touch. That coupled with the prospect of exciting change coming in the very near future that has given me the opportunity to shape the vision, strategy and operation of the Society
What it is about working at the Society that you enjoy the most?
The willingness of my colleagues to go out of their way to help, and the community spirit that I feel here
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I fix cars in my spare time and build furniture!
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Rhiannon Greasley
Assistant Management AccountantRhiannon Greasley
Assistant Management AccountantHow long have you been at the Society?
I joined esbs in September 2022
Career background
I am very early on in my career (this is just my second role since finishing University) but my previous role was also in financial services
Why did you join esbs?
Immediately everyone I met was friendly and professional, I felt that the interview process was well structured and organised and I generally had a very positive feeling about the company and the role
What it is about working at the Society which you enjoy the most?
The comfortable environment and the people – everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel part of a team straight away
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I enjoy going to the gym and on long walks, reading, and spending time with family and friends
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Kate Gorska
Finance AdministratorKate Gorska
Finance AdministratorHow long have you been at the Society?
I joined esbs in October 2024
Career background
I worked in various roles across different industries. Most recent, I was a checker in a warehouse. During that time, I pursued my studies in accounting and bookkeeping and wanted to start in this role
Why did you join esbs?
I joined esbs to embark on a new career path. Took opportunity to grow and challenge myself in friendly environment and contribute to team
What it is about working at the Society which you enjoy the most?
The team is friendly, creating an environment where we genuinely care for one another as much as we do for our customers. Together we strive to provide that special touch and support, ensuring our customers feel valued and appreciated
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I find joy in the simple pleasures of life. I love taking long walks, hiking and spending sunny days by the beach with my family.
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Darren Fife
Business & Information Systems TechnicianDarren Fife
Business & Information Systems TechnicianHow long have you been at the Society?
I joined esbs in April 2021
Career background
I have a background in IT and have also worked in Accounts
Why did you join esbs?
It was a good career opportunity and esbs is a local and well respected Building Society. I’ve also been a member ever since I can remember
What it is about working at the Society which you enjoy the most?
I have received a very warm welcome since joining and enjoy the variety of the work
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I like watching a variety of sports, especially Football and Formula 1. I enjoy walking, cycling and holidays in the countryside
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Julian Morrison
Business & Information Systems TechnicianJulian Morrison
Business & Information Systems TechnicianHow long have you been at the Society?
I joined esbs in February 2019
Career background
I started my working life as a Bricklayer but after moving to Leicestershire from Plymouth, I worked in various automated distribution warehouses where I have had various roles, including the last 6 years in IT
Why did you join esbs?
I wanted to have the opportunity to broaden my skills working for a friendly building society. It is also local to where I live, so no long commutes on the motorways which is a bonus!
What it is about working at the Society which you enjoy the most?
Being able to influence and contribute with my experience from working in other large enterprise organisations
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
My passion is cars, and mainly of the old Ford variety! I currently have an old Ford which I try to keep on top of during the winter months whilst it is hibernating and waiting for the good weather! Other activities include cycling, walking, DIY, photography and trying to maintain a level of fitness at the gym!