Established in September 1993, Castle & Crystal was originally an employee based credit union, operating for the benefit of Dudley MBC employees.
Twenty years later, their services have now become widely available to everyone living or working within the Dudley borough, the county of Worcestershire and to partner organisations that are included in our Common Bond. The future vision is to have a branch in each of the four main townships in the borough of Dudley, namely Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen & Brierley Hill and also a number of branches across the county of Worcestershire.
The head office in Dudley services the needs of 4000 active members, who come from all walks of life & enjoy the same standard of excellent customer service during every visit. Castle and Crystal has taken advantage of recent changes in legislation meaning credit unions can now offer corporate accounts to organisations as well as individuals.
During 2013, Castle & Crystal have welcomed over £100,000 in investments from local organisations, community groups & churches alike. Their investment into the credit union will increase the supply of affordable credit providing competitive savings and loans for the members. This ultimately continues to help the economic development and stability of communities within the local area regardless of location. The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, marked the achievement of serving its 10,000th member with a special presentation in April 2016.
In partnership with the credit union the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), Black Country Chamber of Commerce, and Just Finance Black Country worked together to promote savings through payroll deduction. A campaign, called #PaydayYourWay, in 2020 with the aims to encourage staff to save regularly, help them manage their money and keep them out of the clutches of loan sharks.
News and Clips HERE
Want to find out more?
Visit the Castle & Crystal Credit Union website, or get in touch with their team:
Telephone – 01384 815771
Email – castle.crystal@dudley.gov.uk
Copyright British Credit Union Historical Society 2018 – All rights reserved
British Credit Union Historical Society 