Leeds Credit Union was named Lender of the Year at the 2020 edition of the Yorkshire Finance Awards.
The award recognises lenders who have contributed to local financial security and business and community growth with innovative loan designs, while using technology to deliver a better service to borrowers.
The credit union was praised for providing affordable lending to its members with tailored solutions, such as their family loan offering, and their work with the Illegal Money Lending Team to combat loan sharks.
Chief executive Chris Smyth said: “I am extremely pleased with winning this prestigious regional award, and for the recognition LCU has gained for helping the local community and providing affordable and fair borrowing options.
“To win this award is testament to all the hard work of our staff, who work tirelessly to ensure our members receive the highest level of customer service and a range of borrowing options.”
The credit union says working with a local digital marketing consultancy has helped it raise awareness about its products and messaging, aligning its marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
Sam Parish, managing director of digital marketing consultancy Incredible, added: “We’re delighted with this win as we know just how important LCU is for Leeds and the local area in terms of helping people get the right financial support.
In December the credit union announced it had saved members more than £1.7 million in high interest charges during the run up to Christmas.
Related: Leeds Credit Union members save £1.7m in festive interest charges
“We’re also proud that our digital marketing strategy has been such a key part of this award win and the Incredible team look forward to continued growth and success. Our campaign was not just designed to provide engaging content but to change LCU’s way of working, removing print and fulfilment costs and to use the budget to spend more efficiently across digital platforms.”
Leeds Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the UK, with 37,000 member-owners. Membership is open anyone who lives or works in Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate and Craven, along with residents of certain housing associations and those who work for selected employers.
The award categories were open to everyone involved in financial services within Yorkshire. The winners were announced during an awards ceremony on 27 February 2020 at New Dock Hall in Leeds.
