Meet The Boss: David Dodd, chief executive of Darlington Building Society

DAVID DODD has a bone to pick with George Osborne.

The chief executive of Darlington Building Society is concerned that the Chancellor’s latest plan to hand millions of pounds to the high street banks will bypass local lenders.

It follows a massive cash injection from the European Central Bank last year that offered British banks money at the rate of one per cent for three years.

“I would die for that kind of deal,” said Mr Dodd, whose position as a passionate advocate of his sector saw him elected last year to the Building Societies Association national council.

“What we want is a level playing field. We would be appalled if the money that the Chancellor has earmarked doesn’t include building societies.

“After all, we are best placed to get this money to where it is really needed – into the hands of local people and local businesses.

“Our trade body is lobbying hard to get our voice heard.”

As we spoke, Mr Dodd, a chartered banker and a chartered human resources professional with an MBA from the Open University, was one of the few members of staff still to make the move from the society’s headquarters in Lingfield Way, Darlington, into smaller offices, that he said will help to reduce overheads.

“The savings we make from the move will be passed on to our members,” said Mr Dodd, who was also happy to report that the society’s mortgage lending has seen a “very strong” start to the year.

In the first half of 2012, it had agreed as many home loans as it did in the first nine months of last year.

He explained: “There has been a policy by the likes of Santander and Lloyds to move away from mortgages and focus on the savings side of their business. In short, they haven’t really been lending.

“That has offered us an opportunity, but I think it is a temporary phenomenon.

“It’s something that we’ve made the most of and it’s given us a strong start to the year.”

A lender passing on money to people who need it – it could be a trend that will catch on.

Five minutes with... David Dodd

Favourite North-East building and why?

Hadrian’s Wall. When I have retired, I want to walk all the way across it.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

I was a pig clerk at West Cumberland Farmers. Wage was £8 a week.

The worst job you’ve had?

Probably the pig clerk because it was so boring. I added up lists of numbers which had arrived from the various auction marts.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

Lasagne – it’s what I cook for everyone.

What would your superpower be?

To be able to talk to animals.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

Paddy McAloon, Rowan Atkinson, Jennifer Aniston and Karen Carpenter.

Most expensive thing you’ve bought – other than car or house – and how much?

I am about to buy some photovoltaic panels for the house which I suspect are going to cost about £6,000.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

Michael Palin; he gets everywhere.

Favourite book?

The Brethren Trilogy by Robyn Young.

When did you last cry?

When my dog died.

What is your greatest achievement?

Being made chief executive officer at Darlington Building Society.

What’s the best piece of advice in business you’ve ever been given?

Your goals and targets can be flexible, but your principles must be sacrosanct. Never walk past poor performance.

Favourite animal and why?

My chocolate Labrador Coco, who sadly passed away a few years ago. She had the sweetest nature and we still miss her.

Most famous person on your mobile phone?

I don’t know any.

What was the last band you saw live?

Madness.

Describe your perfect night in.

A bottle of wine and some crisps in front of the telly with my wife.

In another life I would be...

A chocolate taster for Cadbury’s.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Melvin Bragg – we both come from Cumbria, so the accent would be the same.

What irritates you?

Have you got a list long enough? Laziness, greed, corruption, lack of integrity, people who want the maximum benefit from the minimum effort, people who want to blame others for their own errors.

What is your secret talent?

I can smoke 20 cigarettes a day on holiday then give up as soon as I board the plane to come home.