As the cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all, this week our Spotlight On is all about Unify Credit Union and how they can help. We’ve been speaking to Angela, Chief Executive Officer.
Describe your business: Unify is a community savings and loan co-operative with members rather than customers. Members save with us and we use those savings to give low cost loans. We are authorised and regulated like banks and building societies and members’ savings are protected by the FSCS in the same way as banks and building societies.
Tell us about the history of the company: Unify was established in 2002 when three small community credit unions merged together. Unify now covers Wigan, South Ribble, Chorley, Skelmersdale and Warrington (our common bond) and has a membership in excess of 10,000. We employ 25 staff across four branches.
What’s the best thing about working for your company? To know that we make a difference! Members tell us all the time that they are in a better financial position since becoming a Unify member.
Who are your customers and why do they use your services? Anyone who lives or works within our common bond. Most of our members save with us and are rewarded with free life insurance on their savings and receive a share of our profits each year, by way of dividend,
What service do you receive the most enquiries about? Our Family Loan, a simple loan product that enables families to borrow when they need to and build a savings pot at the same time.
Where are you located? You will find us on Crompton Street, we are part of the Grand Arcade and have been since January 2015
What’s the best thing about being a retailer in Grand Arcade – the convenience of being in the centre of town is what our members love.
Why should people shop local? Building community wealth is important to us. We want our members to shop locally to build our local economies and make our towns stronger.
For more information on any Unify Credit Union financial services call into branch on 21 Crompton Street, Wigan, WN1 1BN and speak to a member of their team.