Latest news

We're recruiting Member Services Advisers

We're recruiting Member Services Advisers that can provide excellent customer service

GWCU reopens Bond Offer to help financially secure South West

GWCU's Bond Offer reopens with a stretch target of £2m, match-funded by Fair4All Finance. 

Our Stroud branch will be closing

Changes to face-to-face services as Stroud branch will be closing on 11 September 2023.

August 2023 bank holiday opening times

How the cost of living crisis has accelerated illegal money lending

In this article, we explore the recent rise of illegal money lending due to the cost of living crisi…

GWCU closes successful Bond Offer with over £1.4m

Our Bond Offer has officially closed after raising over £1.4m with 215 investors!

Personal finances made easier with Chat-GPT

Helpful ways you can make Chat-GPT work for you when managing your personal finances.

Our Bond Offer is closing: A round-up of our achievements

We reflect on our achievements in the last three months and look beyond the success of our Bond Offe…

GWCU Social Impact recognised in NatWest SE100 list and awards

We have been named as one of the UK's top 100 social enterprises!

How employers can build workforce financial stability

James Berry, CEO, explores effects of the cost of living crisis on the workforce and how employers c…

5 affordable tips to stay cool this Summer

We have rounded up some tips to help you stay cool while the weather heats up

Office closure on 30 June for staff training

Friday, 30 June

GWCU releases 2022 Social Impact Report

Cost of living crisis impacts thousands across South West, GWCU's 2022 Social Impact Report finds

GWCU shortlisted in Fintech Awards South West

GWCU & DWL's digital transformation recognised at upcoming Fintech Awards South West

GWCU smashes Bond Offer target in five weeks

We are thrilled to meet our Bond Offer target. Now, our ambition to go beyond our initial goal.

Is the wealth divide continuing to grow?

What we are doing for our community during the uncertain economic period.

GWCU nominated in 2023 Consumer Credit Awards

Vote for GWCU as 'Best Credit Union' (South) in 2023 Consumer Credit Awards.

Launch of our Bond Offer film

Check out our new Bond Offer film to find out how we plan to use the new investment.

Family-friendly events near you during the May bank holidays

A list of family-friendly events that are happening near you throughout the May bank holidays.

May bank holidays opening times 2023

GWCU’s operating hours during the 2023 May bank holidays. 

GWCU's Bond Offer now live!

Investment will help make purpose-driven finance more accessible

Easter timings for 2023

How you can reach us over the Easter period

Cuppa Club with Ethex

Find out more about our upcoming Bond Offer

How GWCU is set for growth

Read about how we are serving our communities and why we are well placed for significant growth over…

GWCU reveals growth and launches new 2023 plans at AGM

Find out about our last AGM where we outlined our growth and our future plans. 

Saving for a rainy day when money is tight

Ideas to help you build a financial buffer for when the unexpected happens

GWCU Annual General Meeting 2021/22

Thursday 16 March, 6pm

Half-term survival guide

The perfect guide of activities and deals to help you survive half-term

Ideas to spark romance on Valentine's Day 2023

It is the season of love and we are here to help you out. 

We're recruiting an Admin Co-ordinator

We're looking for a natural organiser and communicator to support the GWCU team

Reach your New Year goals in budget friendly ways

New Years goals that you can reach without hurting your budget

The financial resilience of mothers central to family budgeting

Recent research conducted by GWCU and University of Bristol highlights the financial lives of mother…

How credit unions are helping people in their time of need

Credit unions are seeing 12% yearly increases on new borrowers.

GWCU Christmas and New Year opening hours

How you can reach us over the Christmas and New Year period

Changes to face-to-face services in Bristol

Our Cheltenham Road branch will be closing on 23 December

GWCU has released its 2021 Social Impact Report

GWCU helping vulnerable members through cost-of-living crisis

Ways to give back this Christmas

GWCU's guide to giving back to your community this Christmas

Cheap or free things to do during the Christmas holidays

Ideas to get into the Christmas spirit on a budget!

Scam alert! How to spot and avoid scam attacks on your money

Know the red flags of the most common scams, and how to protect your info

How to have a big Christmas on a smaller budget

Top tips for bringing the festive cheer while spending less this Christmas

Autumn Statement 2022

What the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement means for UK households.

The St Monica Trust joins GWCU's Money@Work scheme

The scheme will help to build the financial resilience of its workforce

Cost-of-living crisis - what can employers do?

95% of workers feel their employers should be doing more to support them 

Why has my loan been turned down? 

We explain why we decline loans and how you can improve your chances for future applications

We're here to support you through the cost of living crisis

If you’re feeling the strain financially, we're here to support you

Cut your energy bills with GWCU’s Solar Loan

Lower your energy bills and cut carbon emissions amid the cost of living crisis

Notice of office closure for staff training and development

Monday 3 October 

Mini budget response

We look at the effects and how households, businesses, and individuals can survive the impact.

GWCU Service Update 20 September

Systems issue this morning

How spending has changed post-pandemic

A look at how spending has changed in light of the upcoming recession

Summer opening hours

Changes to opening hours at our branches to accommodate staff holiday

Join GWCU's Board of Directors

We are looking for an additional non-executive Director to join our Board

GWCU expands services to Stroud

The merger with SVCU will increase membership and improve services for people in Gloucestershire

Make your home greener with GWCU’s Advantage Loans

Three in four people want to implement green home improvements

Things to do in the summer holidays

Affordable ways to keep your little ones entertained this summer

Service Update

Temporary disruption to website and member portal access

Welcome to members from SVCU

How to manage your membership and accounts with us

Socio economic effects of another recession

Almost all households have been affected by the rising cost of living  since the start of 2022

Is it time to invest in a greener car? 

Electric cars are on the rise. Read our guide to choosing a greener set of wheels. 

Why purpose driven finance is more important than ever

There's an appetite for purpose driven solutions post-pandemic

Green upgrades for your home

From better insulation to solar grants and smart plugs, 2022 is all about energy efficiency

June opening hours, including Bank Holiday Weekend

Opening times for our Bristol and Dorchester branches

GWCU receives £1.63m investment from Fair4All Finance

The investment is part of Fair4All's Affordable Credit Scale Up Programme

GWCU reaction to the Chancellor's extra support measures

The new measures announced today will go some way towards offsetting the rising cost of living

GWCU nominated for 'Best Credit Union' (South) award

Vote for us in this year's Consumer Credit Awards!

What to do if you’ve missed a payment

Our Member Support Team are here to give you help and advice

How has the first month of the cost of living crisis affected people?

Households across the UK are focused on the tips they can implement to help save money

Money saving tips for holidaying abroad

How to cut costs without compromising on fun (or sun)

Our lemon-free guide to buying a used car

Time for a new motor? Read our top tips for buying secondhand

Easter 2022: Egg hunts, crafting and caring for wildlife

Things to do with the kids as Easter approaches

Easter 2022

How you can reach us over the Easter period 

Planning a UK holiday? Let’s talk holiday money!

How to have an economical, fun-packed family staycation

GWCU outlines recent successes and future plans at latest AGM

GWCU is in a strong position to support and adapt to the needs of our members

Cost of Living Crisis - What should the Government do?

There’s no doubt that everyone's monthly outgoings have seen a noticeable increase

Keeping costs down during the UK energy crisis

How to reduce your usage and get help with your energy bills

How do rising energy costs affect financial wellbeing?

James Berry, CEO,  explains what financial support is available

GWCU Annual General Meeting 2020/21

Tuesday 15 March, 7pm

Half term ideas for February 2022

Activities to keep young minds engaged 

Taking the efficient approach to home improvement

From quick, affordable fixes to bigger upgrades that save you money in the long run 

4 ideas for Valentine's Day that cost £20 or less

Stuck for ideas? We've got a few that could help

Is ethical finance possible? We say yes!

Our principles are guided by having a positive impact on the world we live in

Welcome aboard! SS Great Britain Trust joins GWCU’s MONEY@WORK scheme

Supporting SS Great Britain Trust’s ambitions as an inclusive and Living Wage Foundation employer 

Could debt consolidation give you a healthy financial start to 2022?

How a personal loan can help you manage your outgoings

Has the pandemic increased the appetite for employee benefit schemes?

Easy ways for employers to improve wellbeing at minimal cost

GWCU Service Update 26 January

Bristol branch closed on Wednesday 26 January 

Improve your finances in 2022 and create a brighter future

These four actions can help you achieve better finances and bring you closer to your goals

Prepare for a brighter year ahead by saving with GWCU

Even the smallest amounts will add up, giving you security and spending power later on

Why are so many people less financially secure than before 2021?

Does more need to be done to improve financial wellbeing in the UK?

Christmas opening times

How you can reach us over the Christmas and New Year period

Ways to avoid blowing your Christmas budget in a last minute rush

It’s easy to feel the pressure and spend more than you’ve budgeted for

Make your Christmas spend go further without losing any festive sparkle

Our top tips for a joy-filled, wallet-friendly Christmas

Unusual Christmas gift ideas for under £20

Stuck for affordable gift ideas this Christmas? 

Providing ethical and affordable finance without geographic barriers

73% of the UK's population has now moved to online banking

Great Western Credit Union provides a new flexible way to borrow

Employees of GWCU's MONEY@WORK partners can now access new Flex@Work accounts

We're recruiting a Member Services Adviser

We're looking for someone who can provide excellent customer service

Q & A with Jonquil Cairns GWCU Board Member

In our latest interview, we talk to Jonquil Cairns, one of our longest-serving Board members

Credit union supports the financially vulnerable during the pandemic

Our latest social impact report for 2019-20 uncovers the financial impact that members experienced a…

Staff Shortage Service update

Disruption due to staff shortage on 29th and 30th July

Let’s build back better for a post-Covid world

The economic impact of lockdown has seen the wealth divide grow wider

There’s a new Great Western!

Great Western Credit Union currently has almost 20,000 members 

Service update 28 June 2021

Information on how our services are running 

Avoid high-cost home repairs

4 easy ways to prevent unexpected bills

GWCU nominated for 'Best Credit Union' (South) award

We need your votes in this year's Consumer Credit Awards

Meet the board: Paul Handford

Paul Handford talks about his nine years as a Board Member for Bristol Credit Union.

Introducing Great Western Credit Union

More information on our growth and change of name

Stylish home improvements on a budget

4 steps to express your personality without spending too much

Is this spring the dawn of new hope?

The UK economy is projecting new confidence after a difficult year

We're recruiting a Member Services Adviser

We're looking for someone to provide excellent  customer service to existing and potential members o…

Merger creates South West England’s largest credit union

Bristol Credit Union (BCU) and Wyvern Savings & Loans (WSL) have completed a full merger

Easter 2021: Crafting, Garden DIY and Afternoon Tea

Family-friendly ways to keep everyone happy this Easter

Spotlight on BCU's Member Support Team

Our new arrangements mean we can offer more seamless help and advice to our members

Delay in processing payments (15 March)

This issue has now been resolved.

Annual General Meeting 2019/20 and Special General Meeting

Online, Tuesday 23rd March 2021, 7.00pm

Meet the Bristol Credit Union Board: Louise Eaton-Terry

Louise brings vast experience to BCU, having worked in financial services for over 15 years.

What does 2021 need?

Almost a year on the reality of the COVID-19 situation is growing ever more present.

Local businesses support staff wellbeing with GWCU's Money@Work scheme

The MONEY@WORK scheme is available for employees of our employer partners

5 affordable ways to celebrate Valentine’s day at home

Our five best ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2021

Securing Bristol’s Financial Recovery

What strategies are being put in place to secure Bristol’s future and economic recovery?

Service update

Latest update on how our services are running

Achieve your short term financial goals with Bristol Credit Union

Money@Work partners can save up to 25% off interest rates on loans from £100 to £15,000.

We are recruiting for a Head of Marketing role

We are looking for the right person to lead our marketing and sales team as we grow. 

Building Financial Resilience in 2021

5 ways to get your year off to a great start

First Steps Bath joins Bristol Credit Union’s Employer Partnership Scheme

Bath-based nursery signs up to affordable employee loans from Bristol Credit Union

Christmas opening times

Here are our opening times throughout the Christmas period

Gifts by local makers and businesses for under £20

Our picks for businesses to support in Bristol whilst doing your last-minute Christmas shopping

Nine months of big impact

Covid-19 has given us the chance to re-evaluate how our society works for us

Ideas for your last-minute Christmas budget

Top tips from the author of Real Life Money - Clare Seal (@myfrugalyear)

Bristol Credit Union sees increase in members’ saving balances

Total savings balances grew 7% from March to September

BCU celebrates lockdown heroes this Christmas

Christmas campaign celebrates Bristol heroes who went the extra mile this year

Small gift ideas to show your gratitude this Christmas

Ways to show you care without damaging your finances

GWCU Service update

Latest update on how our services are running

Bristol Credit Union and Wyvern Savings & Loans to merge

Bristol Credit Union announces expansion into Dorset.

Live - BCU's new Website launched, Member Portal very soon

Important information about BCU's new digital platform

We’re officially in a COVID-19 recession

UK in recession for the first time in 11 years. What does this mean for you?

Who is your Bristol Christmas hero?

Take part in our Christmas Campaign

Bristol Credit Union wins Financial award

Family Finance Plan recognised at Bristol Life Awards

Bristol Credit Union welcomes Better Food

Better Food joins the growing list of Bristol Credit Union's Employer Partners

An interview with Denis Lindsay

Part of a series of interviews with Bristol Credit Union's Board Members

Is it time to prioritise housing security?

Housing security needs to be high on the agenda as we build back better post-Covid

Get ahead for Christmas

Things you can do now to help fund the festive period

How credit unions are rising to the alternative finance challenge

Credit unions will play a vital role to help people manage crisis debt now and access the advantages…

Bristol Credit Union welcomes four new board members

They bring a wide range of additional expertise.

BCU launches first ever Social Impact report

The 2018-2019 report details how the Credit Union has provided social value to the region. 

UK Government provides a cautious budget - what else is needed?

Our CEO, James Berry provides his thoughts on the latest financial statement. 

We're finalists in the Consumer Credit Awards 2020

We're up for two awards:'Best Credit Union' (South) and 'Treating Customers Fairly Champion'.

Bristol and West Athletic Club receives funding from Bristol Credit Union

The sponsorship will be used for bursaries for young athletes to get to race meets.

Uncertainty can be a gateway to resilience in trying times

What businesses can learn from the financial models of co-ops and credit unions. 

Change of platform for the Bristol Pound scheme

Following Bristol Pound CIC’s announcement about their partnership with Payji Limited to develop the…

Bristol Credit Union prepares for exciting digital upgrade

Mapping our digital future.

Financial impact of Covid

How we're supporting our members through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Service Update

How we are supporting our members who have been impacted by Covid-19.

NHS workers can get an interest free loan

New service to help those helping save lives. 

Coronavirus

Resources for advice and support.

Budget 2020

BCU welcomes Chancellor’s first budget supporting prevention of financial hardship.

Home Truths - Shelter Bristol

Get involved in Shelter's Home Truths campaign. 

Bank Workers Charity invests in Bristol Credit Union

Helping us do more for our members. 

Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes!

Three pancake recipes to try today. 

5 meaningful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

Easy, thoughtful ways to say you care. 

Family Finance Plan

A new way to access funds when you need it. 

Members forum cancelled

Unfortunately, we've had to cancel the Members' Forum meeting on Tuesday 28 January. We apologise fo…

The future of Bristol Pound

Important information for members and supporters. 

Making Bristol a Living Wage city

Employers' recognition helps city achieve new status. 

Clear your debts for less

Clear your debts quicker and save money with our 3-step action plan. 

No stress guide to last-minute Christmas shopping

Save yourself time, money and stress! 

5 festive twists on Christmas food

Put your own stamp on Christmas and impress your guests with our five ‘festive food twists'.

3 affordable ways to make Christmas your own

What makes it Christmas time special for you?

5 Christmas budget hacks

You don't have to overspend to make Christmas special.

20 years of Bristol Credit Union

CEO, James Berry, looks back on Bristol Credit Union's history.

Home makeover for less

7 easy ways to spruce up your home.

BCU wins 500k investment from BCC

The investment will help the credit union to triple in size over the next 5 years.

Tips for buying a secondhand car

Our top tips to make sure you get the car that's right for you. 

Spend less on your spring clean

Try our budget and eco-friendly tips.

Biting back against Loan Sharks this Christmas

Bristol Credit Union supports national campaign led by the Illegal Money Lending Team

Bristol Credit Union launches Solar Loan

This will help householders take advantage of the Feed-in-Tariff before it ends in March 2019.

The rise of alternative finance

James Berry on our role as one of the city’s largest alternative finance organisations. 

Investor Q&A: GWCU Deferred Shares Offer

We catch up with Helen,who tells us why she chose to support our Deferred Shares offer.

New service point opens in Bath

Residents of Bath will be able to access credit union services from the Weston Hub

Deferred Shares Offer: What's it all about?

Our CEO, James Berry, tells us more about this investment opportunity, and our plans for growth.

Investor Q&A: Deferred Shares Offer

One of our recent supporters shares what they're hoping to get out of their investment. 

Deferred Shares Offer leaps past 10k mark milestone

Milestone reached in the first ten days since the launch. 

Deferred Shares Offer: Investor Q&A

Member and volunteer, Colin, tells us what attracts him to our Deferred Shares Offer.

Bristol Credit Union launches Deferred Shares Offer

The investment raised will help us achieve our growth plans 

10 ways to save money on your family holiday

Read our top tips to help plan your next getaway. 

Bristol Credit Union achieves 5-star Fairbanking Mark

The highest possible rating for our ethical loans. 

How to be a better saver

Do you want to save more? Read our tips to get your year off to a great start. 

5 ways to save money on your Christmas food shop

Our top 5 tips for cutting the cost of your festive dinner. 

Bristol Credit Union proud to be a Living Wage employer

Bristol Credit Union is the latest organisation to become an accredited Living Wage Employer.

Cut the cost of school kit

Save money on school essentials with our 3-step back-to-school action plan. 

How to save money on your UK holiday

Top tips to have a truly brilliant (and cheap) staycation. 

Cut the cost of your holiday abroad

3 ways to save money on your next adventure

How to avoid these top 3 holiday mistakes

Follow our tips for avoiding these common -and costly- mistakes before you book your next holiday. 

How to turn a no into a yes on a loan application

Top 5 reasons why we turn applications down - and what you can do to turn that ‘no’ into a ‘yes’.

Buying a car

Get on the road with these four essential tips to help you avoid costly mistakes. 

Decorating your home on a budget

Three low-cost ways to restyle your home.

Avoid costly home renovation mistakes

Follow these guidelines to minimise risk and help you get the results you'll love.

Budget-friendly ideas for Mother's day

5 affordable ways to celebrate Mother's Day. 

Savings habits: the good, the bad and the ugly

Are you a super saver? Or is your ISA in danger of ending up empty? Let's find out. 

Christmas Countdown Tips

24 money-saving tips to help you enjoy Christmas and save money.

How to avoid the pitfalls of Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Follow our tips for safer shopping. 

Get ahead this Christmas

Plan ahead and save money with our tips and ideas for getting ready for Christmas

Planning a family holiday abroad

Our top tips to ensure a stress-free holiday.

Bristol Credit Union invests in South Bristol Sports Centre

Our £15,000 investment will help create six new all-weather five-a-side football pitches.

4 tips to start saving money

Our top tips for funding your new-year dreams. 

Service update

Temporary interruption to member portal access and transfer requests