Why not cash your cheque at a Post Office 

Over the past 12 months 6Towns Credit Union has run a customer service campaign to find out what you want from us.

This has resulted in many changes to the way in which we look and the services we offer to our members. Listed below are some of the changes that have already been put into place.

Our Image - We may not be a Bank or a Building Society but we have to compete on the High Street with them. So we have just completed major refurbishments of our offices. No more desks in reception as the counter now gives the professional approach that you requested. The new sign outside will be going up in the next few weeks; this will make our presence clearer on the High Street. Gone are the Green Sleeves - in are suits and corporate colours for our front line staff.

Our Products - You asked for a wider range of services that were appropriate to today. So we have introduced an ISA for tax free savings, Home Contents Insurance for Private Tenants. We now can give information of other financial and debt services that are available within Sandwell - signpost you in the right direction, this updated as our staff undergo regular training.

Our Opening Times - Your comments made it clear that you wanted us to be open during lunch times. This we have done and our new opening hours are 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday. This will ensure that people that work locally to the West Bromwich office can gain access.

Who or what is 6Towns Credit Union - It was clear that 6Towns Credit Union was only known within small pockets in Sandwell. So we have started a campiagn to become a well known local organisation this will mean that 6Towns will be appearing as many local events that we can to improve our reputation.

Cheque on Demand - The feedback was clear that members did not like requesting a cheque 24 hours before it could be collected. Plus the cheques only available after 1pm was not how a modern financial institution operated. Therefore you can simply turn up during the new opening hours and complete a withdraw form and remove your money that is available. This has got rid of the manic crush at 1pm and makes for the professional approach that you wanted.

More Collection Points - Many members can not get into West Bromwich We are currently and will continue to widen the number of collection points where members can make payments into their accounts. The collection points can be found on the Saving with 6Towns page. We will continue to widen these across Sandwell and will update the page to keep you informed. PLEASE NOTE: Only deposits can be made at the collection points as they do not hold money on the premises for withdrawals.

Future Plans - This is only start! Over the next 12 months we will continue to offer a wider range of services, some free some with a small charge, but all will help 6Towns Credit Union to be a major force within Sandwell. A BIG Thank you to all those that took the time to answer our questions and help us make these changes.

Following the Annual General Meeting we have pleasure to welcome 3 new members to the 6Towns Board of Directors. They are:

Elaine Morris who works for Accord Housing based in West Bromwich and works with in the HR Department.                                                     

Rev. Peter Selleck the minister at Saint Mary Magdalene’s, Charlemont Farm. Peter is also the Urban Industrial Missioner.

Ally Allerson run her own Consultancy Business and was previously the Chief Executive for Greets Green Partnership.

All 3 bring a wealth of experience to 6Towns Credit Union and warmly welcomed.

Dividend set for the 2nd year at 3.29%

Under the Future Jobs Fund 6Towns Credit Union are pleased to welcome 5 new members of staff. They are:

Wahiba Chowdhury

Amardip Kahlwan

Gregory Mann

Lucy Gittens

Cherie Davies

All of whom are proving to be a great asset to the organisation. Over the next 12 month they will undergo a complete training program that will equip them with the skills that will enable them to take their career forward.

Please make them welcome and understand if they don’t know ALL the answers yet.

Members no longer have to request a cheque 24 hours before a withdrawal. Simply turn up at the office and subject to the funds being available a cheque will be produced on the spot.

Withdrawals can be paid via BACS into your own Bank or a cheque can be raised for yourself or to a recipient your choose and posted directly to your home address.

Just another way in which 6Towns Credit Union is changing to meet your needs.

You can find the 6 Towns Credit Union stand every Thursday morning from 8.30 - 12.30 at the One Stop Shop.

The One Stop Shop can be found in the Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DE.

You will be able to join our growing numbers, discuss savings and loans or find out how you can volunteer with us.

Send us your news and views so that we can keep our news current and up-to-date. If you have any other queries or comments we would be delighted to hear from you at any time.