Acorn Community Bank Celebrates a Year of Growth, Innovation and Impact

Friday 2 January 2026

Acorn Community Bank has marked 2025 as a year of significant progress, innovation and achievement, reflecting its continued commitment to supporting members and strengthening financial inclusion across its communities.

Serving thousands of loyal members across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire – a region stretching from Milton Keynes to Salisbury – the credit union has delivered a wide-ranging programme of improvements and new services over the past year.

Key developments in 2025 included the launch of a new mobile phone app, giving members easier and more flexible access to their accounts, alongside the implementation of a new direct debit system and the relaunch of Acorn’s website. Together, these upgrades have modernised the member experience and improved the efficiency of core services.

The year also saw the introduction of several new and enhanced lending products designed to meet members’ diverse needs. These included the launch of the Flexiloan for members in receipt of Child Benefit, and the Progress Loan for members receiving PIP, Carer’s Allowance and other benefits. In addition, Acorn extended its Acorn Loan and Loyalty Loan products up to £15,000, broadening access to affordable credit.

Support for employers across the region was further strengthened through the expansion of Salary Savings and Loan schemes, providing staff with a trusted and ethical financial partner in the workplace.

Beyond products and services, Acorn Community Bank delivered a highly successful Financial Inclusion project in Salisbury, backed by Wiltshire Council. The initiative helped hundreds of local people build greater financial resilience, reinforcing the credit union’s role as a key community anchor.

Strategic growth was also achieved through a merger with Connection Credit Union, ensuring continued support for members at TE Connectivity and strengthening Acorn’s long-term sustainability.

These achievements were recognised with Acorn Community Bank being named Best Credit Union (South), a significant accolade reflecting the hard work and dedication of the organisation.

Looking ahead, Acorn Community Bank thanked its members and supporters and expressed optimism for the year to come, with plans to continue building on the strong foundations laid in 2025 and deliver even more for communities in 2026.