Published: September 17, 2015
Drawing to a close its 30th birthday celebrations, Unity Trust Bank, which was set up by trade unions in 1984, has buried a time capsule in the grounds of the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum in Dorset.
The time capsule has been filled with memorabilia from Unity’s history, including photos of staff, and footage and commentary from partners, stakeholders and customers about ideal future plans for the bank, the future needs of the social sectors it supports, and why it is vital challenger banks such as Unity exist to invest and support the growth of businesses that benefit society.
When originally created, Unity Trust Bank was focused on actively providing support to local economies through job creation and economic development. 30 years later, the bank continues to stay true to its founding principles, championing social values and supporting enterprise and innovation that makes communities better places to live and work.
Laurie Bell, Relationship Manager for Trade Unions at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Tolpuddle is the birthplace of the trade union movement so the ideal place to bury our time capsule.
“Over the years Unity has worked hard to deliver positive social change across the UK, all made possible by the vision and passion of trade union leaders. We’ve campaigned against social and financial exclusion and over time have expanded to serve more and more organisations and businesses that create social, community or environmental impact. We decided to bury a time capsule in order to capture Unity’s past, present and predictions for the future. We have come a long way since we started and we look forward to developing the financial sustainability of increased numbers of organisations that deliver clear social impacts well into the future.”
Tom De Wit, Manager, at Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, said: “We have been pleased to work with Unity on this project to mark the Bank’s significant history and contribution to social change. Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum charts the development of trade unions from their formation in 1834 to the present day and we hope that Unity can be part of this history for many years to come. We are grateful for the ongoing support we receive from Unity in telling the story of the Martyrs.”
The burial was attended by Nigel Costley and Tanya Parker at South West TUC and a local representative of Unite.
For information and advice on sustainable finance and banking services, please contact Unity Trust Bank at us@unity.co.uk or visit its website at: www.unity.co.uk.
