The credit union formally registered on the 5th March as the Greater Manchester Buses Limited Employees Credit Union ltd under the industrial provident societies act 1965 as Credit Union 296c.
Operations started on the 1st of April 1992 and within two weeks 200 employees had become members. The credit Union was extended to all depots in the Greater Manchester buses area and by the end of September the Credit Union had 900 members.
1993 By April after 12 months of operation the Credit Union had over 1,400 members with a total payroll of £100,000 per month. The Credit Union borrows £250,000 from other Credit Unions to help finance a buyout both GM buses south and GM buses north. As a result their employees buy both companies
1994 Acknowledgement of registration of change of name change of the name Greater Manchester Buses limited Employees Credit Union Limited to “The Voyager Credit Union ofGreater Manchester Ltd was on the 19th of January 1994.Total members reach 2000 and total shares £1,000,000. The Voyager lottery starts.
1995 The change of the name “The Voyager Credit Union of Greater Manchester Ltd to Voyager Credit Union Ltd was approved on the 15th of November 1995 Total out on loan reaches £1,000,000
1996 Voyager Credit Union is the 12th largest Credit Union in Britain.
1997 Total shares £2,000,000-total loans £2,000,000
1998 Membership Reaches 3,000
2000 Voyager takes on Full time staff with the day to day administration of the Credit Union total loans 3,000,000
2005 Voyager Credit Union launches Individual Savings Account (ISA’s) for members.
2007 Voyager Alliance launches the Credit Union current account.
2008 saw the merger of the former Wayfarer Credit Union
2012 Voyager Alliance Credit Union break through the £10,000000 ceiling on member savings.
2013 Voyager alliance commits to taking part in the Credit Union expansion Project (CUEP)
2014 Voyager Alliance automated lending via Cornerstones using IT technology program
2015 Robin Walker MP has visited Voyager Alliance Credit Union as it celebrates reaching the milestone of serving 10,000 members. Following his tour of the head office with Voyager Alliance Credit Union President Joe Hegarty, Robin Walker MP said: “It was fantastic to meet with Voyager Alliance Credit Union and hear about their great success story. This is clearly a credit union that is close to its members and provides a welcome service close to their place of work.
2021 At the Special General Meetings in October and November members voted by a large majority, to accept the Transfer of Engagements to Penny Post Credit Union. This is a great opportunity for the combined membership of Voyager Alliance, Retail and Penny Post.
2022, Voyager Alliance and Retail CU are now officially part of the Penny Post Group from Tuesday 1st February. April 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of a small group of volunteers starting Voyager credit union to provide an ethical financial alternative to members. Part of the next chapter seeing tremendous opportunities for the Penny Post Group combined membership and looking forward to a bright future ahead.
News and Clips HERE
Want to find out more?
Visit the Voyager Alliance Credit Union website, or get in touch with their team:
Telephone – 0151 489 0402
Email – info@vacu.org.uk
Copyright British Credit Union Historical Society 2018 – All rights reserved
British Credit Union Historical Society 