GWCU Social Impact recognised in NatWest SE100 list and awards

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

Great Western Credit Union (GWCU) has been nominated in the Social Investment Award category at the NatWest SE100 Awards, created by the Pioneers Post in partnership with the NatWest Social & Community Capital, for their recent Bond Offer raise with Ethex and Fair4All Finance. The category aims to recognise groundbreaking or innovative deals, programmes or funds in social / impact investment and this acknowledgment highlights GWCU’s success. The ceremony is set to take place on Monday 10th July 2023 at 250 Bishopsgate in London. 

The Credit Union was also named one of the UK’s top 100 social enterprises as part of Natwest’s SE100 Index. The extensive list was selected according to different criteria to reflect both business and impact issues. This includes financial performance, how in-depth they measured and managed their impact and their commitment to both climate issues and taking positive action on equality and diversity.

GWCU helps to build community wealth and provides social value to over 18,000 people across the South West, including supporting 2,250 people at risk of homelessness and aiding 150 families through the UK Resettlement Scheme for refugees. The Credit Union champions local initiatives and projects, particularly those seeking to address climate change and financial exclusion.

Upon the news, James Berry, CEO of Great Western Credit Union, commented: 

“Since our inception, community and social impact have been at the heart of what we do and we’re delighted to have been recognised amongst some of the biggest social enterprises in the country. It’s heartening to see these projects continue to thrive, despite the significant economic challenges faced by many across the past few years. This goes hand in hand with the goals set out in our current Bond Offer raise, where we aim to make purpose-driven finance more accessible than ever before across the South West to help make a difference to those that need it most.”

The Bond Offer, which closes on 18th July 2023, has amassed almost 200 investors and over £1.1m in funds since it opened in April. Through this raise, GWCU will expand their services, including its digital platform and employer partnership scheme, Money@Work. Learn more about the Bond Offer here.*

*Any capital invested is fully at risk as it is not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Published by
Team GWCU
Posted on
10 July 2023