JOHN'S BLOG - SEPTEMBER 2019

As summer fades into autumn and Hull Fair Week comes into view, there’s lots going on at HEY Credit Union, so here’s a round-up of our news.…

FRESH NEW LOOK AT HULL CENTRAL

After eight years of pretty intensive daily use, our main city centre branch was looking rather tired and so it was time for a refit.  We’ve made a modest investment in a new welcome desk, consultation pods, new oak flooring and fresh décor.  To complete the new look, we’re planning some historical and modern images of Hull to give a bright and cheerful ambience for members visiting.  

Next time you are in town, do pop in and see us – we hope you’ll like our new look!

GOOLE BRANCH ON THE MOVE

Our popular branch is moving down the street as it marks its 10^thanniversary in the town.

We’re relocating from 22 Pasture Road, our home since September 2009, to Unit 6 at the Old Station Hotel, Pasture Road DN14 6BP by Monday 23 September.

I explained to the Goole Times: “We have been very happy at 22 Pasture Road for the past ten years but now it is time for a change.  Our new branch is just down the road from the existing one, closer to the junction with Boothferry Road, but on the opposite side of the road.  It is very easy to see from the town centre and railway station.”

Jo, our Goole Development Officer, and her colleague Jean, have been busy preparing for the move.  Jo said, “Credit unions are owned by their members and we have a Local Members’ Group in Goole which takes a keen interest in promoting the branch.  One of their big concerns this year has been access for people with disabilities, mums with prams and those with limited mobility.  We’ve listened and I think they will be pleased with the result.  We look forward to welcoming members, old and new, to our new branch when it opens.”

WITHERNSEA EXCITED BY OUR PLANS

I was pleased to be invited to speak to a well-attended public meeting in the Shores recently.  We’re partnered with Withernsea Big Localto tackle financial exclusion by providing access to safe savings, affordable credit and sensible money management through expanding our local branch.  In short, making Withernsea a Credit Union Town.

At Big Local’s annual public meeting, Matt Lloyd (Withernsea Credit Union Champion) and I reported that their social investment is already bearing fruit.   So far, we’ve increased staff and volunteer time, established a fully serviced office, more than doubled opening times, made links with community groups, run stalls at events like the Summer Carnival and Withstock (including a notable appearance by Penny the pennywise penguin), and provided a faster easier experience

for our members.  Wow!  In the first six months, we’ve seen active membership in the town grow by 16%, total savings increase by 11% while the loan book has expanded by a whopping 109%.  We reckon that by taking a CU Loan instead of using a doorstep lender, the people of Withernsea are already saving over £25,000 a year in interest charges.  

We’re planning to work with the High School on financial education, and to also open a Local Members’ Group -a forum for members to meet to enjoy fun quizzes and CU games, hear our news and discuss ideas for promoting the branch.   If you live in Withernsea and would like to join, contact Matt (mlloyd@hullandeycu.co.uk).

DRIFFIELD VOLUNTEERS RETIRE

Last Wednesday I attended a pleasant event in Driffield to mark the retirement of three of our longest serving volunteers – Ross Weekes, Liz Weekes and Anne Anderson.  The “intrepid trio” were founder members of Driffield Branch back in 2005 and have done much to support its development, including the highly successful school banks, ever since.   With over 1,000 members and juniors now in Driffield, as the Branch Leader Debbie said, “they have left a strong legacy.” 

OUR CHARITY OF THE YEAR UPDATE

A big thank you to everyone who sponsored Kathryn, Steve and me to do the 20K Hornsea Mere Circular walkback in July. Tying this into our 20^thAnniversary, we decided to walk one kilometre for each year of the Credit Union’s life.  Hence, it was an unusual and slightly dizzy experience covering the course twice (a bit like the Grand National?) but we got there, and with your help, raised a tidy £375 for HEY Credit Union’s Charity of the Year – Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

NORTHERN LINCOLNSHIRE PROGRESS

We’ve had a busy summer at Scunthorpe branch too.  We’re working with social landlords Ongo Homes, to promote our services to their tenants and their staff family. Tracey ran an information stall at the Ongo Carnival in August, and then we met with Ongo staff at their new town centre HQ on 9^thSeptember to tell them about the well-being benefits of simple saving and affordable credit with HEYCU direct from your pay.

Meanwhile, over at Winterton Patrick has been working hard to establish “Credit Union Wednesday” as part of the local scene. That’s the day when he provides one-to-one sessions at either the Hub or the Cornerstone Café, a contact point in the Co-op store, and a school bank at the Infants & Juniors School.  Thanks to our pro-active partnership with Winterton 2022 Big Local, we’ve enjoyed lots of success, with around 32 school savers, more adults joining and an increasing local loan book.

MPS VISIT CENTRAL OFFICE

You may be forgiven for thinking the life of an MP is endless Brexit these days.  Our Hull MPs Diana Johnson and Karl Turner disproved that when they paid us a fact finding visit in August, as part of our 20^thAnniversary celebrations.  After meeting staff and directors for an office tour, we gave a “potted history” and set out our ideal “shopping list” for a future Government.  It included a desire for legal changes to permit credit unions to offer a wider product range (such as credit cards and motor finance), to help more people to benefit from our member-driven not-for-profit services.  We’d also like it to be made mandatory for employers to offer credit union payroll deduction to their staff as a proven financial wellbeing benefit.  

Our MPs showed genuine interest and I am sure it greatly helps them to know about the work of credit unions when consumer finance topics are aired in the House of Commons.  We might even get a mention perhaps in a future parliamentary debate!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

We hardly dare mention it but it happens every year! If you need some extra support to cope with festive season financial stress, turn to us.  A Credit Union Christmas Loanspreading the cost over a year is far cheaper than other small loan options including doorstep credit:

Lender	Loan £ over 52 weeks	Repayments per week £	Interest %APR	Total to repay £
Morses Club*	£400	£14.00	272.2%	£728.00
Provident*	£400	£14.40	299.3%	£748.80
Credit Union*	£400	£9.20	42.6%	£477.54

*information taken from websites, correct as at 15.8.19

Remember, you can save with us as you repay, helping you to build up a handy sum for the future.   Our Child Benefit Loan & Savings Plan option offers an ideal way for families to stretch their money further and was mentioned on BBC Radio 4’s MoneyBox programme recently.

Contact us in branch, at www.hullandeycu.co.ukor 01482 778753 to find out more.

JOHN’S BLOG – AUGUST 2019

6 tips to help with the cost of sending the kids back to school

The summer holidays will soon be drawing to a close, and so it’s natural for thoughts to turn to the cost of sending the children back to school. With new uniform, equipment and kit to pay for, the cost can soon mount up, especially if you have more than one child due to return to education this September.

Here are 6 handy tips to help you save money before the school year starts.

1). Use and reuse

The size of the inventory list can be pretty daunting at the beginning of the year. Thankfully, not all items have to be brand new. You’d be surprised at how much can be reused for the following year, when given some care and attention. Try giving any lunchboxes or pencil cases a good clean, for example. You can even get the little ones involved, and get creative to redesign any old equipment with a little paint and PVA glue – and hey presto! Good as new.

2.)  Shop local where possible

When shopping around for school supplies, it can sometimes pay to go off the beaten track. The multi-national chain stores and supermarkets can be expensive, so try looking in places you wouldn’t usually think. Local businesses such as the Yorkshire Trading Co can be great for bargains, and you can even try online too - many web-based retailers offer exclusive discounts for new customers – so be sure to shop around.

3). Take advantage of loyalty schemes

This is less of a money saver, and more one for the long-term. If you tend to do most of your shopping in supermarkets, make sure to sign up for their loyalty scheme programmes. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons, all offer loyalty points for customers, so that you can gradually build up in-store credit. If you happen to be an Engage Card customer with us, you can earn cashback rewards at many different stores – including Asda and Sainsburys. Click here for a full list of reward partners - think of it as a way to stock up on discount – ready for when the next school year comes around.

4). Where possible, buy in bulk

For things that aren’t likely to expire in the short-term, try to buy in larger amounts if you can. Notepads, folders, and pens all become cheaper if you buy in bulk. This makes extra sense if you have a number of children in school or college at the same time, too. Try places like Costco and other wholesale suppliers to try and make savings on your school shop.

5). Use student discount where possible

Lots of places offer exclusive student discount – from electronics and clothes to stationery and sports kit – many retailers offer between 10-20% for college and University students. This is particularly useful if you’re looking at making a large purchase, such as a laptop or tablet for the new school year.

6). Finally – speak to your credit union!

Last, but most definitely not least, speak to your credit union for guidance with budgeting ahead of the school year - ask in branch for one of our free Budget Planners. If you need to spread the cost, our Child Benefit Loan and Savings Plan could be the ideal answer. We offer low interest rates on loans up to £500, which you can repay directly using your Child Benefit payments. You’ll also add to your savings each time you make a repayment – a perfect way to build up your own nest egg or save for your child’s future.

Remember, if you have any queries about managing the cost of sending the children back to school, pop into one of our branches, call us on 01482 778 753, or email info@hullandeycu.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

While you’re here, have you entered out competition yet?!

Have you heard? We’re giving away £150 to one of our lucky members, every 2 weeks! All you need to do is be a member, and head to our Facebook page and tag 3 friends. Hurry – winner announced every other Friday!

Thanks again for your continued support,

John

CEO, HEY Credit Union