Tel: 0151 258 1014 Fax: 0151 227 3522 Email: enquiries@partnerscreditunion.co.uk
Do you have a story to tell?
Your Credit Union turns 18 this year and during that time we've helped many members through good times and bad.
Did you know that since we were established we've given over 45,000 loans to members to the grand total of £55 million!!! I often ask myself 'where would those people have gone if they didn't have the credit union?'.
One of our members helped her daughter through university by getting credit union loans. Things were tight for her and her daughter and during her visits home, the neighbours would put a box at the end of the street and they would fill it with everyday essentials like washing powder, shower gel, deoderant etc for her to take back to uni! How fantastic is that! That young lady is now a Doctor and got her first job not long ago in a Liverpool Hospital. I hope she tells everyone where her mother got the money to see her through her studies!
Another member, a young single mother was going through life working when she could and bringing up her young family. She had a very supportive family, who one year decided to have a big family holiday abroad and they held a family meeting to discuss. They decided they couldn't leave out their family member and her children and decided to club together to pay for her and her children to go. When they told her, she thanked them and proudly told them that she had been saving in her credit union and could afford the holiday herself! Her self esteem was through the roof.
Of course we also have countless stories of members who have been close to having their homes repossessed or being evicted and those who have unexpected funeral expenses, sometimes for family abroad, and we all know what an awful time the death of a loved one is, made worse by the high cost of funerals.
There are no doubt countless stories like these and I would love to hear from you with yours. Don't worry I won't publish your name if you don't want me to but it would be great to have a record of these. We're often asked by politicians and even Royalty and it would make us so proud to tell the stories of the work we do to help our members when sometimes no-one else will.
So come on - don't be shy - send your story with the Heading 'My Story' to traceyfletcher@ partnerscreditunion.co.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Tracey Fletcher - Chief Executive
Coming Soon - New Prepaid Visa Debit Card
Within the next few weeks our new Credit Union Prepaid Visa Debit Card will be available to our Members!
You can have your share withdrawals or loans loaded onto the card and then use it at ATM's or make purchases wherever VISA is accepted.
What is the Credit Union Prepaid Card?
The Credit Union Prepaid Card is a flexible, low-cost Visa Prepaid Card from your Credit Union. The card has been designed exclusively for credit union members and is available only from credit unions. We think you’ll find it a great way to manage your money simply and safely.
How does it work?
The Credit Union Prepaid Card works like a pay-as-you-go Visa card. You ‘load’ money onto the card at your credit union, then use it to withdraw from ATMs or make purchases in person or online wherever Visa is accepted. You can also obtain cashback when you make purchases in person.
Can anyone have a Credit Union Prepaid Card?
The Credit Union Prepaid Card has been designed to suit a wide range of people. However, there are some simple requirements, as follows:
· You must be over 18
· You must be a member of the credit union that issues the card
· You must have a telephone capable of receiving text messages, eg a mobile
(required to receive your access code and memorable word).
· Your credit union must be able to verify your identity at the point of application
So watch this space - we'll update you as soon as we have more news!!
Call for Board Members / Supervisory Committee
We currently have vacancies on the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Committee at Partners and would love to hear from you if you are interested in being co-opted onto either of these Committee's.
As a member owned organisation, the Board and Supervisory are made up of volunteers who are all members of the credit union.
If you are interested then please phone our Liverpool Office on 0151 258 1014 and ask to speak to Tracey Fletcher re: coming onto the Board or email us at enquiries@partnerscreditunion.co.uk
You must be a member and over 18!
The Credit Union is YOURS so please think about playing your part and have your say in how its run!
Partners AGM Update
Partners Credit Union held it's Annual General Meeting last night and the motion to adopt the new 2012 Rule Book was carried.
The required documentation will now be sent to the FSA for approval and registration.
Our rules already allow for various fees, however the AGM has to set these and they are set out below:
Joining Fee - to remain at £2
Annual Admin Fee - to remain at £5
Dormant Account Fee - reduced from £10 to £5
In relation to the Annual Admin Fee - this will apply if you were a member on 30th September 2011 and will be deducted from your Share 1 account on or around 1st April 2012.
The AGM also approved the recommended dividend of 0.75% on Share 1 & 2 Accounts. This will be put into your account(s) on or around 1st April.
Thank you to those who attended.
Debit Card Payments
Great News!
From Monday 2nd April we'll be accepting Debit Card payments either in person or over the phone!!
So depositing money or making loan repayments or even paying for your caravan hire are now even easier!
Keep Calm!
Revised Branch Opening
KGB (Bootle) Branch
From 12th March the revised opening hours are:
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 9.30 am to 4.00 pm
CLOSED Mondays & Tuesdays
St Helens Branch
from 9th April the revised opening hours are:
Monday, Thursday and Friday - 9.30 am to 4.00 pm (3.30pm on Fridays)
CLOSED FOR LUNCH 2.00 pm to 2.30 pm
CLOSED TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS
Liverpool Branch
Monday to Friday - 9.30 am to 4.00 pm
Open throughout the lunchhour
You can use any of our branches to carry out your credit union business or go online if you wish to join, make a share withdrawal or apply for a loan.
Many of our forms are also on the website for you to download.
Website Updated!
We have updated our website which we hope is more user friendly and gives you more information.
New features include:
- Loan Calculator
- Applying for Membership online
- Applying for a loan or share withdrawal online (members only area - you must register for a pin number before you can use these facilities)
- Downloadable Forms for you to print off, complete and send to us.
We hope you like our new site and would appreciate any feedback or suggestions for further improvement. Please e-mail us at : enquiries@partnerscreditunion.co.uk
Looking to the future we are hoping to introduce:
- Electronic Loan Agreements using Digital Signatures
- Texting facilities
- Electronic banking facilities for your credit union account
So watch this space for updates!
Happy surfing!
Difficulties with our phones....
We are currently having major difficulties with our telephone provider and some of you are having problems getting through to us.
We are working on this and hope to have a solution soon, but this may not be for a few weeks unfortunately. Please bear with us and accept our sincere apologies - we know it’s frustrating.
If it’s easier please e-mail us enquiries@partnerscreditunion.co.uk and you will get a response a.s.a.p.
Or if you haven’t already, register for a pin on-line and make use of the facilities there.
Once again, apologies for any inconvenience caused.
TRACEY FLETCHER - CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Partners Credit Union wins National Award for Excellence!!
Credit Union workers from all over the UK were recognised at the inaugural National Credit Union Awards for Excellence in London on Thursday 17 February 2011.
Partners Credit Union won the Excellence in Community Mobilisation Award and were finalists in the Excellence in Active Partnerships Category.
Our work over the past few years, co-ordinating the merger of 10 community credit unions to Partners was the over-riding factor which clinched the award for us. These 10 credit unions would have been closed down by the FSA and in the region of 4,000 people would have lost access to credit union services if it had not been for the intervention of Partners. For many of these people, their credit union was the only source of affordable and accessible credit, other than the legal and illegal loan sharks!
Paying tribute to the achievements of the finalists, Guest of Honour the Rt. Hon. Lord Michael Howard, QC, said: “Credit unions have been an important part of financial life around the world for many years. This is particularly important for so many who might otherwise be financially excluded. Credit unionism is an inclusive activity.”
Lord Howard was joined on stage by Bobby McVeigh, who has given a lifetime of service to credit unions internationally, and who flew from his home in Canada especially for the awards. Together with some of the judges, Lord Howard and Bobby McVeigh presented awards, certificates and cheques to the winners, who came from all over the UK and NI.
These awards, a first for the British credit union movement, were designed to champion and pay tribute to the extraordinary work of the unsung individuals who give their time and expertise to the credit union movement, many on a pro-bono basis. Kevin Turmore, MD, Unity Trust Bank said “These awards showcase the fact that credit unions can play a key role in tackling financial and social exclusion. They truly are an example of the Big Society in action.”
Pictured above receiving the award: Left: Paul Hide (PCU President) Centre: Juliet Davenport (CEO Good Energy Group PLC), Right: Tracey Fletcher (PCU CEO).
Launching our Xmas Savings Account!
In January we will be launching our Christmas Savings Account, helping you to budget for Christmas 2011!
Why pay into a tontine, hamper or voucher club when you can do it yourself at your Credit Union! Your money is safe & secure and you control it! It’s also insured for FREE!
You can save as little or as much as you want in the account from January through until November.
Terms & Conditions of the Account: One ONE withdrawal is permitted on this account throughout the year which must be in the months of either November or December.
Caravan For Hire!! Details coming soon!
Partners now has a Caravan for hire to all of its members. The caravan is at the Winkups Site in North Wales (in between Rhyl & Towyn).
Obviously the site will now be closed for the winter period and we will be putting details on the website soon telling you how you can book for next year and how much it costs.
New Bootle Branch
As a result of the transfer of King George Bootle Community Credit Union to Partners last month, we now have a Bootle Branch.
Partners Credit Union KGB Branch is open Mon-Fri 9.30 to 4.00 and is situated on 110-112 Peel Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4LA. Tel: 0151 222 3473.
All members of Partners can now use any branch to carry out their credit union business, so if you are a KGB member but work in Liverpool City Centre, you can use the Dale Street Branch, or if you are a Partners member and live in Bootle, you can use the Peel Road Branch.
We are also delighted to welcome to our new staff team Heather, Paula, Lenny & Kayleigh!
We would also like to thank the Board and volunteers of KGB Credit Union for their assistance and support in making the transfer a successful one.
Lenders Compared - Who comes out best every time?
The following information was taken from the Lenders Compared website today 16.9.10. Partners Credit Union comes out best each and every time....
Not sure? Then check out www.lenderscompared.org.uk and YOU decide!
Watch out for those Payday Lenders too ...... some charge in excess of 2500% APR and although it may seem tempting at the time ......... think about using your local credit union instead. Once you’ve been with us for 12 months you can apply for a Revolving Credit Loan (Flexiloan) to help you out when you’re in a pickle...
Home collected - NO
Partners Credit Union Ltd
Other charges: No arrangement, set-up or early settlement fees, however we reserve the right to charge you for any fees we incur in the instruction or involvement of third parties for tracing you, returned payments, debt collection, court action.
Restrictions / Other information: Loans to MEMBERS ONLY after 12 wks regular saving, £2 membership fee payable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
O’Connors Finance
Other charges: No additional charges for home collection. While not routinely applied we reserve the right to charge you: (i) default interest on any instalments in arrears for such period as they are in arrears at 20% pa; (ii) for Letters/Notices sent to you about your default at £5.00 each; (iii) any fees we incur in the instruction or involvement of third parties for: Tracing you, Returned Payments, Debt Collection, Court Action.
Restrictions / Other information: All loans subject to status. Loans not granted to minors. Written Quotations on request. Postal address only - no personal visits. Existing customers only. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pinpoint Securities
Other charges:
Restrictions / Other information: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stewart Finance
Other charges: While not routinely applied we reserve the right to charge you: (i) default interest on any instalments in arrears for such period as they are in arrears at 40% pa. (ii) for letters/notices sent to you about your default at £10 each. (iii) any fees we incur in the instruction or involvement of third parties for: Tracing you, Returned Payments, Debt Collection, Court Action. No Additional charges for home collection.
Restrictions / Other information: All loans subject to status. Loans not granted to minors. Postal address only - no personal visits. Existing customers only. Website: www.stewartfinance.co.uk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
O’Connors Finance
Other charges: No additional charges for home collection. While not routinely applied we reserve the right to charge you: (i) default interest on any instalments in arrears for such period as they are in arrears at 20% pa; (ii) for Letters/Notices sent to you about your default at £5.00 each; (iii) any fees we incur in the instruction or involvement of third parties for: Tracing you, Returned Payments, Debt Collection, Court Action.
Restrictions / Other information: All loans subject to status. Loans not granted to minors. Written Quotations on request. Postal address only - no personal visits. Existing customers only.
Stewart Finance
Other charges: While not routinely applied we reserve the right to charge you: (i) default interest on any instalments in arrears for such period as they are in arrears at 40% pa. (ii) for letters/notices sent to you about your default at £10 each. (iii) any fees we incur in the instruction or involvement of third parties for: Tracing you, Returned Payments, Debt Collection, Court Action. No Additional charges for home collection.
Restrictions / Other information: All loans subject to status. Loans not granted to minors. Postal address only - no personal visits. Existing customers only. Website: www.stewartfinance.co.uk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stewart Finance
Other charges: While not routinely applied we reserve the right to charge you: (i) default interest on any instalments in arrears for such period as they are in arrears at 40% pa. (ii) for letters/notices sent to you about your default at £10 each. (iii) any fees we incur in the instruction or involvement of third parties for: Tracing you, Returned Payments, Debt Collection, Court Action. No Additional charges for home collection.
Restrictions / Other information: All loans subject to status. Loans not granted to minors. Postal address only - no personal visits. Existing customers only. Website: www.stewartfinance.co.uk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provident Personal Credit
Other charges: If you breach the agreement, we reserve the right to recover all legal costs and expenses incurred in recovering monies due from you.
Restrictions / Other information: Available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Applications subject to acceptance. Apply by Telephone on 0800 9166330 or online at www.providentpersonalcredit.com today. Only available to existing customers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Greenwood Personal Credit
Other charges: If you breach the agreement, we reserve the right to recover all legal costs and expenses incurred in recovering monies due from you.
Restrictions / Other information: Available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Applications subject to acceptance. Apply by Telephone on 0800 9166286 or online at www.greenwoodpersonalcredit.co.uk today. Only available to existing customers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provident Personal Credit
Other charges: If you breach the agreement, we reserve the right to recover all legal costs and expenses incurred in recovering monies due from you.
Restrictions / Other information: This product is available only to selected individuals who have been specifically invited to apply. Other than those who have received such an invitation, this product is not available to new and existing customers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provident Personal Credit
Other charges: If you breach the agreement, we reserve the right to recover all legal costs and expenses incurred in recovering monies due from you.
Restrictions / Other information: Available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Applications subject to acceptance. Apply by Telephone on 0800 9166330 or online at www.providentpersonalcredit.com today. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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These results do not constitute a formal offer. For a full quotation please contact the lender. These results may be downloaded and reproduced by any person in any form or way. The LendersCompared.org.uk site provider is not responsible for the accuracy of loan information, which is the sole responsibility of the lender offering that loan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Re High Loan Demand
We are currently experiencing a very high demand for loans. Please bear this in mind if you are considering a loan and make sure you speak to a member of staff first and definately before you commit to anything which may be relying on a loan from us.
Your Insurance Needs Covered!
Valuable protection for your home, car and your holidays!
Flexible home insurance, straightforward motore insurance and tailored travel insurance.
Key Benefits:
- instant cover
- choice of payment options
- no form filling - everything completed in one call
- cover tailored to suit your individual requirements
- UK only call centres
FOR YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE CALL NOW ON:
0800 496 1437
Check our Insurance section for further details.
Staff Member Receives National Award
Our Customer Service Team Leader has received the Tracy Slane Young Persons award from the Association of British Credit Unions. The award recognised his contribution to the credit union movement and the achievement that he, during the course of his work, has displayed special qualities, enthusiasm and commitment. David picked up his award at the recent Annual Conference of the Association in Blackpool. We are all very proud of him and congratulate him on his achievement.
NEW - MORTGAGE COVER+
Partners Credit Union is pleased to be able to offer our members a great new insurance product - MortgageCover+.
MortgageCover+ is an affordable Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance policy which can provide real peace of mind should illness, an accident or involuntary unemployment befall you.
MortgageCover+ is designed so that you can arrange and only pay for the cover you need. The amount you pay is calculated per £100 of cover you require and your monthly premium will depend on the amount of cover you need and the policy options you choose.
- Choose Accident and Sickness, Involuntary Unemployment cover or both
- Choose the amount of monthly cover you need
- Choose single cover or split cover (in joint names)
- Choose how long you will have to wait until a benefit is paid to you if an insured event occurs
- Choose the maximum number of months that you will receive benefits for any single claim
Click on the banner on the home page to be taken to the CUNA Mutual Insurance (Europe) Ltd web site for a quick quote! The link will open as a new web window - please note that Partners Credit Union cannot be held responsible for the content of this external site.
School Savers
From Thursday 30th April 2009, St Theresa’s Catholic Prmary School in Sutton, St Helens, will be running a collection point. This weekly collection will start at 3pm and end at 4pm.
Newton- le-Willows Collection Point
Volunteers at the Trees Community Centre, Alder Street, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, will be holding a Community Collection Point on Thursdays starting 23rd April 2009, between 2pm and 3pm.
There will be an information event at the Trees Centre on Friday, 17th April. Feel free to drop in between 11am and 3pm!
What is a Community Collection Point?
A Collection Point is somewhere in the community that members can access Partners Credit Union to join, deposit savings and manage their account. Collection Points are made possible by the commitment and dedication of volunteers. If you would like to find out more about collection points, contact staff at Partners for further information.
Liverpool Office on the move!
Partners Credit Union’s Liverpool Office will be re-locating in December and will open to members on Monday 5th January 2009.
From that date the new address will be:
Partners Credit Union Ltd
New Oxford House
75 Dale Street
Liverpool
L2 2HT
Telephone numbers, e-mail etc will remain the same.
Have you got news for us?
Send us your news and views so that we can keep our news current and up-to-date. If you have any other queries or comments we would be delighted to hear from you at any time.
