David Glover, president of the Halifax Antiquarian Society, stands at Lister Lane cemetery, where the founders of the Halifax building society are buried. On a moody afternoon, he opens the gates to the usually closed burial ground to reveal the tombs of the men who created one of West Yorkshire's most famous exports.
Local Pride Under Threat
Lloyds Banking Group is considering axing the Halifax brand, which has existed for nearly 173 years. The move could erase the name from British high streets, with a phaseout potentially starting as soon as July and full removal by October. While Lloyds insists no final decision has been made, locals are dismayed.
Glover says Halifax had the world's largest carpet manufacturer and the greatest building society. He believes the Victorian-era founders would be 'absolutely horrified' at the prospect of losing the brand.
History of the Halifax Brand
Lloyds took over Halifax in 2009 during the financial crisis. Halifax had demutualised in the 1990s, becoming a listed bank before merging with Bank of Scotland in 2001. The HBOS group was later at the centre of a major banking scandal involving small business customers.
Despite these controversies, Halifax residents remain fiercely loyal. Jayne Spence, a 59-year-old shopworker, laments the potential loss, saying she has banked with Halifax all her life. She urges Lloyds to consider the 'little people' who built the brand.
Nasar Ahmed, 50, a former Halifax graduate, says the brand has 'massive' importance to loyal customers and the region. He believes Lloyds is focused on digital banking and cost-cutting, but eradicating the brand would be a big loss to the high street.
Some residents, like 35-year-old Dare Adekoya, are indifferent, suggesting it only matters to the older generation.
Historical Significance
The building society's history touches every corner of Halifax, including the Old Cock pub, where founders met in 1853 to launch the Halifax Permanent Benefit Building Society. Manager Chris Woodhead says losing the brand would be a shame but expects bankers to prioritise profit.
Neil Kendall, chief executive of the Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, warns that axing the Halifax brand while retaining Bank of Scotland sends a dangerous signal of disregard for the north of England. He notes the recent local election gains by Reform UK and Greens as evidence of voter discontent.
Labour MP for Halifax, Kate Dearden, says she is seeking urgent clarification from Lloyds and will make the case to retain the brand at the highest levels.
Back in Lister Lane cemetery, Glover urges Lloyds to reconsider. He notes that founders like Jonas Dearnley Taylor would not recognise the bank Halifax has become, having been horrified when it demutualised in the 1990s. Lloyds stated it regularly reviews its brands and that there are no changes for customers today.
