Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union Voted Best in the South in Finance Analyst’s Annual Awards

Friday 26 January 2024

Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union (WASCU) won the Best Credit Union (South) category in Smart Money People’s 2022 Consumer Credit Awards.

Judging was based on reviews left on the site by people who use services registered with Smart Money People. In more than 170 reviews WASCU earned an average of 4.94 out of 5 stars, which, said Chairman of trustees Nick Gallop, is a testament to the quality of the service delivered by its staff.

Nick said: “The staff in the office dealing with members have done a fantastic job and this is a reward for that. I am delighted for everyone involved with the organisation and it is very satisfying to be recognised like this. I see it as a motivation to do more.”

The group, formed in 2016 from four separate credit unions across Wiltshire, is based in Cavendish Square, Swindon but has collection points across the county. It lends more than £1 million a year to 3,500 active members and is seeing a steady rise in demand, in part because of the cost-of-living crisis.

The awards cover the entire credit industry, including loan providers, credit unions, credit information partners, retail finance and more.

Alongside the star ratings, members were encouraged to leave reviews of the service. One member wrote: “When you need to borrow money the only ones who will offer you anything are payday loans with the most ridiculous APR rate that you are paying back double.

“The credit union will only offer what you can afford and prompt you to save with no ridiculous APR. I’ve been using this credit union for a few years now and it’s helped me through Christmas, replacement of white goods and a family holiday. I couldn’t have achieved this without being able to borrow from them.”

Another added: “I was overjoyed when the credit union were able to assist me after an accident left me struggling to work and support my eight-year-old. The professional care, efficiency and empathy were second to none and I can’t recommend this organisation enough.’

Mr Gallop added: “The special thing we have done is provide a quality of service and a way of treating people with dignity. Some of those who come to us, were just managing to survive and then their fridge stopped working or they needed to buy new shoes for three kids going back to school.

“We treat them in a really helpful and constructive way and because of that they have left these lovely reviews of our service and it is wonderful that this is why we’ve won this award.”