Credit unions dominate the Consumer Credit Awards 2020

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Half of the awards in the Smart Money People Consumer Credit Awards 2020 have been awarded to credit unions, with five named among the winners.

Over 19,000 consumers took part in the voting process which took place during the COVID-19 lockdown period when they have proven to be a vital lifeline for many.

Jacqueline Dewey, CEO of Smart Money People, said “Timely access to affordable credit is a key challenge for millions of consumers. And while some firms simply pay lip service to the notion of responsible credit, all our winners and finalists have demonstrated very high levels of satisfaction during what has been an incredibly difficult time for many customers.”

With five credit unions having been recognised as winners, this highlights the important role these firms continue to play in the lives of some of the most financially excluded consumers in the UK.

Sheffield Credit Union, Central Liverpool Credit Union and NHS Credit Union all fought off intense competition to take home the hotly contested ‘Customer Service Champion’, ‘Treating Customers Fairly Champion’ and ‘Healthy Culture Champion’ categories respectively. These ‘top level’ categories are open to all firms with over 200 votes, and all three winners received exceptional levels of customer feedback. For example, Central Liverpool Credit Union received 272 votes, with 100% of its members telling Smart Money People that they felt fairly treated.

Commenting on yesterday’s award ceremony, ABCUL CEO, Robert Kelly said: “Congratulations to all finalists and winners of the awards. I’m delighted to see so many credit unions recognised for their dedicated and valued service to members not just during the global pandemic, but all year round.  I’d like to thank the Consumer Credit Awards for shining a light on the sector’s dedicated commitment to providing safe savings and ethical loans to communities across the country.”

Denise Crossley, CEO of Headline Sponsor Lantern, said “All of us at Lantern would like to congratulate the Finalists and Winners in the Consumer Credit Awards 2020. In these turbulent times, how financial firms engage with and support their customers matters more than ever.”

The Credit Unions Winners in the Consumer Credit Awards 2020

Customer Service Champion: Sheffield Credit Union

Treating Customers Fairly Champion: Central Liverpool Credit Union

Healthy Culture Champion: NHS Credit Union

Best Credit Union (South): Plane Saver Credit Union

Best Credit Union (North): Glasgow Credit Union