Credit Union Leaders Gather in Manchester for ABCUL’s First Growth Group Meeting

Friday 13 March 2026

Credit union leaders from across Great Britain gathered in Manchester this week for the first meeting of ABCUL’s new Growth Group, bringing together larger credit unions to share insight, discuss collaboration and explore opportunities to support continued sector growth.

The meeting forms part of ABCUL’s refreshed approach to member engagement, with a stronger focus on creating spaces where credit union leaders can exchange practical experience, address shared challenges and shape thinking on the future of the movement.

The Growth Group sits within a wider programme of work by the Association to enhance how it delivers value for members, recognising that credit unions at different stages of growth face distinct opportunities and operational challenges. By bringing together leaders from larger and scaling organisations, the group aims to support open discussion around transformation, collaboration and innovation across the sector.

A key part of the agenda was an international perspective on sector transformation from David Malone, who shared insights from the Republic of Ireland’s experience of reform and growth.

The agenda of the day also explored collaboration and shared services, with Mark McAlpine leading a session drawing on lessons from the Scottish CUSO experience. A further session on digital transformation and organisational change was delivered by Paul Rooney, examining how credit unions can approach digitalisation while maintaining their community-focused values.

The meeting concluded with a panel discussion featuring credit union leaders reflecting on real-world approaches to collaboration, transformation and managing growth.

Commenting on the launch of the Growth Group, ABCUL Chief Executive Matt Bland said: “Credit unions across Britain are growing and adapting to new challenges, and bringing leaders together to share experience and learn from each other is an important part of supporting that process. The Growth Group gives us a space to have open conversations about what it takes to grow and transform while keeping the values that make credit unions unique.

“I’d like to thank all the members and speakers who took part in today’s event for sharing their insight and experience. By creating opportunities for collaboration and shared learning, we can help strengthen the sector and support the next phase of development for credit unions across Britain.”

Alongside the Growth Group, ABCUL is also introducing the Pioneer Group, a dedicated forum for credit unions with more than £20 million in assets. Formerly known as the Larger Credit Union Advisory Committee (LCUAC), the Pioneer Group will meet annually to bring together senior leaders from the largest credit unions to network, share insight and explore strategic themes relevant to organisations operating at scale.

The next Pioneer Group meeting will take place 16–17 June in Birmingham, with a combined Growth and Pioneer Groups event planned for 6–7 October, with the location to be confirmed. Together, these forums will help strengthen collaboration across the movement and support credit unions as they continue to grow and evolve.