Published: September 14, 2023
Unity Trust Bank was a proud supporter of the 155th TUC Congress in Liverpool as trade union delegates from around the UK gathered for the 2023 four-day conference.
The annual event convenes all 48 member unions of the TUC. They collectively vote on the motions that form the basis of the organisation’s work for the next 12 months. These unions represent more than 5.5m working people.
Congress heard from a host of guest speakers. There were also a wide range of fringe meetings and exhibitor stands for visitors to attend.
Unity was established by the trade unions and The Co-operative Bank nearly 40 years ago. It was born out of a vision to create a bank that would embrace the philosophy of the common good. Those founding principles are still at the heart of everything Unity does today.
Deborah Hazell is the CEO at Unity. She attended Congress alongside Chairman Alan Hughes and Chief Commercial Officer Alex Rice. Deborah said: “Our mission is to help create a better society. Our values are very much aligned with those of our trade union shareholders and customers. Together, we’re helping to change people’s lives for the better by addressing social, economic and environmental needs.
“At this year’s Congress we were privileged to meet and hear from people from all walks of life who support those who don’t have a voice, champion workers’ rights and strive for a fairer society for everyone.”
90% of affiliated trade unions bank with Unity and benefit from specialist relationship managers. These managers really understand the ins and outs of how their organisations work.
Relationship managers Richard Rose and Gareth Eynon were also in attendance to engage with customers. Many attendees wanted to learn more about Unity’s new digital banking platform. The online offering includes a range of features to help people manage their organisations more effectively, and the bank’s enhanced union customer service package.
Unity’s union customers have a dedicated online hub providing bespoke help and support. They can access a specialist call centre helpline tailored specifically for them, and a regular newsletter offering news and information.
Gareth Eynon said: “Unity supports a range of sectors and they all have different requirements in terms of banking.
“Creating an online portal and dedicated call centre specifically for our union customers really helps to support their day-to-day needs.
“It was great to speak to so many of our customers at the conference, get feedback and discuss how we can continue to develop our personal service.”
Unity, an award-winning ethical bank, uses customers’ deposits to lend to organisations that create positive change. 37% of the bank’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% went to organisations creating solutions that specifically help disadvantaged or marginalised people.
With offices in Birmingham, London and Manchester, Unity was the first UK bank to become a Real Living Wage employer in 2013. They were also the first to be accredited with the Fair Tax Mark.
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 (GABV) and a signatory to the Partnerships for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF).
