From its origins in a simple schoolroom on St George’s Day 1849, the West Bromwich Building Society has grown into one of the country’s top performing building societies. In From Little Acorns renowned local historian, Professor Carl Chinn, captures the story of a major financial institution against a background of significant social, economic and political change and upheaval. It is a dramatic account of an organisation that has faced crises and challenges, but one that has risen to become a strong and modern business without ever sacrificing its founding ideal of helping ordinary people to improve the lives of them and their families.

Professor Carl Chinn MBE Ph.D. is a social historian, broadcaster, newspaper columnist, public speaker and author. Professor of Community History at The University of Birmingham, he is the author of over 20 books that focus on the history of the Black Country, Birmingham, and urban working class life nationally. He is well-known for his weekly local history articles in the Express and Star and Birmingham Mail and for his local history show on BBC WM. Carl is a passionate and proud West Midlander and a dedicated supporter of local charities and businesses that put something back in to the region.