Through the PlanetSaver account, savers receive both a competitive interest rate on their savings, whilst also contributing 0.45% in interest to ekko’s handpicked list of environmental projects. It is hoped that within six months the total contribution made will reach £450,000.

The PlanetSaver account enables savers to contribute part of the interest earned on their savings to environmental projects through selected partners, Tusk, RSPB, and Conservation International, allowing customers to easily and seamlessly contribute to global sustainability efforts.

Using the account, customers will be updated on the positive impact of their contributions, which will detail the progress on the specific projects their interest has supported, therefore strengthening the connection between sustainability goals and financial activity.

The partnership, which is part of the Society’s Thrive! Agenda is an example of how financial services can be a catalyst for everyday environmental action and respond to consumer demand to align their savings with their values.

Commenting on the partnership, CEO and Co-Founder of ekko, Oli Cook said: “We’re pleased to be scaling the impact of ekko through this partnership with Market Harborough Building Society, strengthening our mission to drive meaningful environmental action through financial services. This partnership shows that planet-positive collaboration can be both purpose driven and commercially viable, making it more attractive for more financial institutions to follow suit and incorporate sustainability into their product offerings, too.”

Iain Kirkpatrick, CEO at Market Harborough Building Society, added: “The introduction of this account perfectly aligns with our Thrive! Agenda and our mission to incorporate more ESG-centric products to our growing customer base. It also enhances the experience for our valued customers helping them to make a positive impact on meaningful environmental projects.”

Thrive is MHBS’ promise to continually stand up for what matters most and help make a difference. MHBS was established with the primary purpose of allowing people in working communities to save and borrow so they could get the home they wanted and support their families, so Thrive! is very purposefully aligned with the ambitions of its founders.

Recent projects have included the launch of the OneBanx kiosk to the Market Harborough branch to help bring banking services back to the high street, significant donations to local foodbanks and a £2.2 million affordable housing programme that has seen seven families in need move into safe, warm new homes in Lutterworth and Market Harborough. The Society also offers free meeting space to local clubs, groups, and societies at its new office at The Point on Rockingham Road.

MHBS has six branches across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. The 150 Day Notice PlanetSaver account is poised to become a core product within Market Harborough Building Society’s service offering.