Collaboration, Innovation, and Insight: Credit Unions Meet at ABCUL’s North West Wow Weekend 2025

Tuesday 20 May 2025

Staff members and volunteers from credit unions across the ABCUL North West Forum came together last weekend in Blackpool for the annual North West Forum event.

The event attracted a wide range of speakers from within the sector featuring presentations focussing some of the key challenges and experiences in the credit union sector.

• Understanding impacts and outcomes to show the value of your credit union – Chris Canham – Hoot CU
• Inclusive Marketing Campaigns to your Wider Community – South Manchester Credit Union, facilitated by YPN
• Collaboration amongst credit unions – SoundPound members
• Effective Credit Control in a Cost-of-Living Crisis – (Panel)
• Using Open Banking to make good underwriting decisions – Sarah Woodcock – Transave Credit Union
• Introduction to Money Guiders by Money and Pension Service (MaPS) – Money and Pensions Service with an intro by Magda Niemczyk from Pennine Community Credit Union

“ABCUL’s Forums continue to gather momentum with a string of successful meetings across the country,” says Head of Member Engagement at ABCUL, Debbie Smith-Hands. “From thought-provoking presentations to valuable networking, the event focuses on tackling real challenges and sharing innovative solutions within the credit union sector.

“As ABCUL Forums continue to gain momentum across the country, the North West Forum proudly plays its part in strengthening our sector through connection and collaboration.

ABCUL organises six Forums across Britain; one for Scotland, one for Wales, and nine regional Forums across England. All credit unions affiliated to ABCUL can attend their local Forum meetings, and some credit unions that serve members in different parts of the country choose to affiliate to more than one.

Debbie added: “A huge thank you to all the speakers and contributors who help make this event such a success.”