Unity Trust Bank launches National Credit Union Awards for Excellence

Noble Lords, credit union workers, politicians, representatives of civil society organisations and trades unions attended the launch of Unity Trust Bank’s National Credit Union Awards for Excellence at the House of Lords last week.

These unique awards, which are a first for the British credit union movement, have been designed to champion and pay tribute to the extraordinary work of the countless unsung individuals who give their time and expertise to the credit union movement, many on a pro-bono basis.

Guests at the launch heard speakers, Lord Brookman of Ebbw Vale, Damian Hind MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Credit Unions and Marlene Shiels, British Director of the World Council of Credit Unions, praise the valuable role credit unions play in British society and how the Awards can play a vital role in galvanising the whole of the UK-wide credit union movement.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Honorary Patron of the Awards, John Hume, who still considers his credit union days “to have been one of the most important periods of his life” was unable to attend the event but wished everyone “a great occasion and every success.”

Marlene Shiels, British Director of the World Council of Credit Unions said: "The World Council of Credit Unions is delighted to be part of the Unity Trust Bank National Credit Union Awards 2010.  Every day over 49,000 Credit Unions world-wide are providing services and products to their members, especially to those in most financial need. These awards are a tribute to those credit unions and individuals that demonstrate going above and beyond on behalf of their members.    

"The Founder of the US Credit Union system Edward Filene would, I believe, have welcomed this recognition of individuals and credit unions who have shown an extraordinary talent for helping their members.  Mr Filene spoke for us all when he said "The Credit Union movement, it is a great movement, worthy of great deeds, deserving of great loyalty".

Kevin Turmore, Managing Director of Unity Trust Bank said: “These awards emphasise that our historic support for credit unions remains a long term commitment and a fundamental building block in our strategy of promoting key social initiatives such as tackling financial and social exclusion.  Adding, “I am delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response from the credit union movement and the many messages of supportwe have received from organisations as diverse as the Pearson Group plc through to the Big Issue Foundation.”

www.unity.co.uk