News items Community Blog

Earlier this month, organisations from within the consumer credit sector found out the winners of the Consumer Credit Awards – hosted by Smart Money People, a hub for financial services reviews and insight. There were three awards up for grabs for credit union entrants which were the best credit union (North), best credit union (South), and the best credit union loan provider. This year Sheffield ...
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Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council recently visited the offices of Wave Community Bank (WCB) and met with CEO Ann Hickey to discuss the work of WCB in the city. The credit union and the council have enjoyed a beneficial partnership for many years on the Deposit Guarantee Scheme which assists people into rented accommodation in Brighton. Furthermore, WCB is involved in the Moneyworks ...
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Metro Moneywise Credit Union is an employer-based credit union in Rochdale which has experienced a record-breaking year. Metro Moneywise Credit Union has achieved their highest number of new members this year as they welcomed over 1000 new members by the end of August 2023. Nearing the end of their financial year, the 1000 member mark will be exceeded which is a 32% increase on the credit union’s previous ...
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Lewisham Plus Credit Union Limited (which trades as Lewisham + Bromley Credit Union) and Crownsavers Credit Union Limited, are delighted to announce that their members have agreed for Crownsavers to merge with Lewisham Plus. The merger will create a stronger, more resilient credit union dedicated to serving the communities of the London Boroughs of Bromley and Lewisham, and represents a significant ...
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1st Class Credit Union recently celebrated reaching 10,000 members . To reflect its “people-centric” values, the credit union contacted its 10,000 th member. The credit union asked the member why he decided to join – he said: “I joined 1st Class Credit Union as I had recently gained a promotion and wanted to make savings as well as look at consolidating some debt”. 1 st Class asked how the new ...
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This summer, the cost-of-living crisis is exerting more pressure on people’s finances, with the FCA reporting 55% of UK adults more worried about money this year than last. The FCA predict more people will be looking for loans from unregulated provides, with a concern this will lead to an increase in loan fee fraud. To combat and raise awareness of this crime, the FCA has launched a campaign to ...
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New research by the footwear brand Wynsors has found that the cost of school uniform has increased over the past few years and in 2023 it is predicted to cost parents 21% more than it did in 2018. Furthermore, 76% of parents surveyed agreed that the cost of buying school uniforms and supplies puts a strain on their household budget. In the same study many parents self-reported borrowing money from ...
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Founded in 1993 by a group of passionate British Airways Engineers, Plane Saver Credit Union has grown to one of the largest credit unions in Britain. And now, Plane Saver announces a monumental achievement welcoming its 25,000th member. "We are overjoyed to have reached this incredible milestone of 25,000 members," says Gary Lewis, Interim CEO of Plane Saver Credit Union. "Our success is a testament ...
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The Association of British Credit Unions has published an impact report to highlight how ABCUL has been committed to its core mission of serving members to the best of its ability so that the trade body can grow and develop as strong as ever. The report highlights key areas in which the Association has delivered value for its members. “Throughout its long history of supporting members, ABCUL has ...
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At a time where family finances are feeling the squeeze, credit unions have stepped up to offer safe and sensible credit to those in need. Unfortunately for some, where mainstream borrowing is not an option, they turn to illegal money lenders. Reported in The Sun, Lewisham Plus Credit Union was a lifeline for mum-of-three Sherifa from Lewisham. Sherifa’s job as a part-time healthcare assistant ...
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This month, Neil Jay – Manager of West Cheshire Credit Union highlighted the benefits of credit unions to the listeners of BBC Radio Merseyside. The credit union was introduced by the radio host Helen Jones as a “guiding light” for those needing financial services in West Cheshire and she described the credit union as an organisation which “thrives on the power of the community”. As illustrated ...
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Young people across the UK are at risk of falling victim to loan sharks amid the cost-of-living crisis as they struggle to get credit and are forced to borrow elsewhere to make ends meet. A new grime music video has been launched this week by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to help steer young people away from falling into the debt trap and being left at the mercy of illegal lenders. ...
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