Our History

Our Timeline plots some of the significant events from our 20-plus year history.

1985

St Michael Financial Services is launched in Chester, recruiting 80 staff

The M&S Chargecard is launched

1988

St. Michael Financial Services Limited changes its name to Marks & Spencer Financial Services Limited

Marks and Spencer Unit Trust Management Limited is created offering unit trust funds

1989

Launch of Personal Loans

1991

Interest-free loans are offered to customers purchasing furniture in M&S stores

1995

Marks and Spencer Life Assurance Limited is created offering pensions and term assurance

1999

Launch of M&S ISA

2000

Launch of Home & Contents Insurance and Car Buying Plan

2001

Launch of Stakeholder Pensions

2002

Marks and Spencer Financial Services Limited became Marks and Spencer Financial Services plc.

Launch of Wedding, Travel and Pet Insurances

2003

M&S Financial Services changes its trading name to M&S Money

The &MORE combined M&S Credit Card and loyalty scheme was launched (largest ever launch in Europe)

2004

Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC, one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations with over 9,500 offices in 76 countries and territories. Marks & Spencer and HSBC entered into a 50:50 profit sharing partnership.

Launch of Mini Cash ISA and Car Insurance

2007

Launch of Ethical Fund and Fixed Rate Savings

2009

Launch of M&S Premium Club and M&S Everyday Savings Account