RISING local triathlon star Jack Peasgood will be guest speaker at the annual general meeting of the Saffron Building Society.

Jack, who went to Saffron Walden County High School and is now in his second year at Birmingham University, has represented Great Britain at World and European age group championships and won triathlons in the UK.

He will speak on the topic of “Planning for Performance”, exploring the way in which businesses can learn from the world of sport in terms of clarity of focus and discipline, and how this can deliver solid results.

Jon Hall, chief executive at the Saffron Building Society, said: “I hope that Jack’s presentation will encourage members to come along to this important event in the society’s calendar.

“The AGM provides the ideal opportunity for members to ask questions of the directors both in an open forum and privately.”

Mr Hall will also provide a society update at the meeting, due to be held on Wednesday, April 25 at the Uttlesford District Council Offices in Saffron Walden.

The society’s results for 2011 saw its assets top �1billion for the first time, growing by 17% to �1.086bn at the year-end and cementing its position as the largest independent building society in the eastern region following the merger of the Norwich & Peterborough with the Yorkshire Building Society last year.

Operating profits at the society, which is based in Saffron Walden, grew by 65%, from �1.1m to �1.8m, which the society said reflected its continued role as an active mortgage lender, and increased returns from its independent financial advice and insurance broking businesses.

Mortgage balances grew by 10% to �759m during the year, with an industry-leading arrears figure of just 0.08%, while retail balances rose by 25.8% to �986m.