FAIRshare is a ‘working & living’ credit union for the region of Shropshire, which was originally founded way back in 1994 as the Wrekin Council Employees Credit Union.
The Wrekin Council Employees Credit Union was launched on 1st September 1994 to offer secure savings and affordable loans to employees of Wrekin Council. 155 members joined on the opening day, and by the end of 1994 more than 450 staff had signed up.
Six years later the credit union changed it’s common bond to anyone living or working in the Telford & Wrekin district and the name changed to FAIRshare Credit Union. October 2000 saw the transfer of engagements by Oak Credit Union & Dawley & District Credit. Membership grew quickly and SHRUB Credit Union serving Stirchley, Hollinswood, Randlay United with Brookside and Broseley & Much Wenlock Credit Union joining in 2002.
In 2012, FAIRshare members voted to extend the common bond to include everyone who lives or works in Shropshire, and a second FAIRshare branch was opened in Castle Gates, Shrewsbury. The introduction of online loan applications in 2014 has enabled people across Shropshire to apply for FAIRshare loans from the comfort of their home, and membership continues to grow.
2015 was a record year for FAIRshare, with loans issued in the 12 months to 30 September 2015 exceeding £1 million for the first time, and members’ savings totalling over £2.5 million. FAIRshare Credit Union has also celebrated 21 years of service to communities across Shropshire. The milestone was marked with an Open Afternoon, where the credit union’s directors & staff welcomed former volunteers, staff, Telford & Wrekin councillors, and representatives from partner organisations, companies and communities to their Telford branch in Southwater Square to view displays and memorabilia from the past 21 years.
Also invited to the event were 51 ‘original members’ who joined on the opening day in 1994 and are still active members of FAIRshare 21 years on.
Everyone who lives or works in Shropshire can become a member of FAIRshare.
News & Clips HERE
Want to find out more?
Visit the Enterprise Credit Union website, or get in touch with their team:
Telephone (Telford) – 01952 200200
Telephone (Shrewsbury) – 01743 240403
Copyright British Credit Union Historical Society 2018 – All rights reserved
British Credit Union Historical Society 