Better Business / Member profile
Great Western Credit Union joins the Better Business Network
Great Western Credit Union (GWCU) is the largest credit union in the South West and for over 23 years we have offered fair and inclusive banking services that help both local communities and the planet to thrive.
We serve thousands of members across the region (more than 18,000 in April 2023), providing them with a range of accessible, fair, and affordable loan and savings products.
As a credit union savings are used to fund lending for those who are looking to borrow – bringing mutual benefit and stronger communities across our region. In fact, 41% of savers chose to bank with us as they know their savings are helping other people in the local area.
Our loans, many competitive with high street options, are there for everyone. We don’t just serve those who are unable to borrow elsewhere, we provide an ethical and responsible choice for anyone who is looking for a larger loan for home improvements, or a small loan for emergencies and unexpected expenses.
Through services like our Solar Loan, we help local people fund greener sources of energy at a time when traditional energy costs are high and carbon-cutting measures are needed. We are also champions of sustainable enterprises, such as Bristol Energy Cooperative, where we have invested £100,000, helping them to become one of the UK’s largest community-owned energy generators.
We have helped 2,250 people at risk of homelessness to access accommodation, as well as aiding a further 150 families through the UK Resettlement Scheme for refugees.
Portraits of some of the team members at GWCU Bristol. Great Western Credit Union – photo: John Craig
Our Money@Work scheme helps to build financial resilience in the workplace by offering financial wellbeing along with affordable loans and saving directly through employees’ payroll. We currently work with 35 employers across the region with 40,000 people benefitting from the scheme. Our partners include University of Bristol, Bristol City Council, SS Great Britain, and the Centre for Sustainable Energy.
Over the past three years we have significantly invested in our digital platform. By developing our fintech offering, we have revolutionised the way alternative finance can be accessed, allowing users to manage their finances all in one place whilst making services quicker, more reliable, and more readily available.
GWCU is set for further growth over the next ten years, with the launch of our latest investment round in April 2023, including our first-ever Bond Offer, which will allow the credit union to expand its services across the region, providing financial stability for thousands and making purpose-driven finance even more accessible.
You can find out more here: greatwesterncu.org
Main photo: John Craig
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