Published: August 16, 2023
Unity Trust Bank has reported a record level of lending in its half-year results. The bank has exceeded £900m for the first time in its history and growing 9% from last year.
With a continued commitment to create a better society through safe growth, 37% of Unity’s financing in the first six months of 2023 went into areas of high deprivation.
81% of these loans were allocated to local businesses delivering impact in their communities. 15% to organisations creating solutions that specifically help disadvantaged or marginalised people.
Supporting lending customers through a period of financial uncertainty has also been a key focus for Unity. Customers receive dedicated assistance from a relationship manager who understands their organisations and their needs.
Profit before tax increased to £28.7m (30 June 2022: £9.6m). Unity has reinvested into the growth of the bank through recruitment and new technology. This will enhance customer experiences, improve services and bolster operational resilience.
Deborah Hazell is the CEO at Unity Trust Bank. She said: “Our purpose, as a bank with a social conscience, is to provide excellent banking services to organisations that contribute to the common good and deliver sustainable returns.
“Unity continues to thrive through this purpose. We’re proud of the positive social impact we support in local communities across the UK through our carefully considered approach to lending.
“Our excellent first half performance, with a return on equity of 32.9%, demonstrates that it is possible to both contribute positively to society and be financially strong.”
The award-winning commercial bank celebrates its 40th anniversary next year. Unity was the first UK bank to become a Real Living Wage employer in 2013. It was also the first to be accredited with the Fair Tax Mark.
With offices in Birmingham, London and Manchester, Unity is also a Disability Confident employer, holder of the Investors in People Gold standard, a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and a signatory to the Partnerships for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF).
To find out more about our 2023 Half Year results, please visit https://www.unity.co.uk/investor-relations/.
