Knowsley Mutual Credit Union and Southdene Credit Union Complete Merger

Friday 30 January 2026

Knowsley Mutual Credit Union and Southdene Credit Union have formally completed a merger, bringing together two community-focused financial cooperatives to strengthen services for members across the Knowsley area.

The merger represents a significant step forward in enhancing access to ethical, affordable financial services, while ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience for the combined credit union. By joining forces, the organisation will be better positioned to expand support for members, increase lending capacity and invest in improved services.

The newly merged credit union now serves a combined membership of 6000 members and holds savings totalling £4.5 million reinforcing its role as a trusted financial provider within the local community.

Paul Cope, Manager of the merged credit union, welcomed the completion of the merger and highlighted the benefits for members: “This merger brings together two credit unions with a shared commitment to putting members first. By working as one organisation, we can build on our strengths, protect the values that matter most to our members, and create more opportunities to support people with fair, ethical financial services. We are grateful for the trust shown by our members and look forward to continuing to serve our community together.”

Both credit unions have long histories of supporting local people with savings, affordable loans and financial wellbeing support. The merger ensures that this work can continue and grow, while maintaining the cooperative principles that underpin the credit union movement.