AGM 2012

On the 19th of January 2012 a very special and momentous Capital Credit Union AGM was held at the at the Midlothian Suite of the Lothian Chambers situated on the corner of George IV Bridge and the Royal Mile.

This AGM saw the Chairman and founding member of the Credit Union step down after 22 years of voluntary dedication to the running and decision making of the Credit Union.

It was John Cormack who suggested and pushed for the initial start up of the credit union within the Edinburgh City Council, offering a fantastic benefit to the council employees to ensure they were given the very best options available to them.

Since then Capital Credit Union has went from strength to strength, offering employees an easy method of saving and borrowing at low cost.

Capital is now a fully independent credit union offering services to the employees of a variety of sponsoring employers as well as the general public.

As sad as it is for the credit union to say goodbye to our founding member, John Cormack has left CCU knowing it is in good hands with his long time serving board member Donald Urquhart who is now Chairperson.

Donald, a retired police officer has been serving CCU as a voluntary board member for 18 years.

Donald has been CCU's Chairperson before and is excited about the challenging time ahead given the current economic climate.

Capital Credit Union would like to wish John Cormack all the best in his retirement and congratulations to Donald for securing his spot as Chairperson.

It is quite admirable what board members do for their credit unions every day on a voluntary basis, without their time and effort the credit union movement in the UK wouldn't have the presence it holds today!

At the 2012 AGM a dividend of 0.75% was agreed.

January Deal!!!!

Great News!!! At Capital we’re offering a January deal to all those who apply for their loan before 31st January 2012.

All you need to do is either submit your loan application either online, over the phone or counter quoting “1112” in the reference box by the completion date to be entered into a prize draw with the chance of winning £50 worth of high street vouchers.

The draw will take place in March 2012, terms and conditions apply.

Apply online here

AGM

Capital Credit Union would like to invite you to the 2012 AGM!

The forthcoming AGM will certainly be a special one as it will see John Cormack, the current Chairman and original founding member of your union standing down after dedicating 22 years of his time to CCU. We know that all the staff and several members will be sad to see him go and are looking forward to celebrating his time with CCU at the AGM.

The AGM is a chance to find out more about your credit union and to get involved and have your say.

If you wish to stand for election please download the form in application forms in your members area and ensure it has been received by the Credit Union no later than 12pm Friday 13th Jan 2012.

Our AGM is to be held on the 19th January at the Midlothian Suite of the Lothian Chambers situated on the corner of George IV Bridge and the Royal Mile.

The evening will commence at 6pm, lasting until roughly 7.30pm.

Refreshments will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you there.

We’re moving!

As 2011 comes to an end it is time to close the doors at our Bathgate office.

We at Capital are sad to leave the premises however are extremely excited at the prospect of locating somewhere more appropriate in the West Lothian area. We hope this relocation will be convenient for all and we will keep you informed of any new developments.

We're aware that some members have their concerns about this closure however there are several ways members can continue to their finances whilst we move to a new location.

Handy information for you;

FRIDAY 31st DECEMBER is the last day the Bathgate office will be open and this will be 9.30am - 1.30pm. The maximum withdrawal in cash will be £150.00.

From January onwards all cash transactions and personal enquiries are available in Edinburgh at our Hamilton Place branch opening times;

Monday - Thursday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Friday 9.30am - 3.30pm

Telephone: 0131 225 9901

Where to find us; Credit Union House, 62 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh EH3 5AZ.

Getting here by bus; the number 36 bus runs right past Credit Union House on Hamilton Place and bus numbers 24, 29 and 42 run down Circus Place with a stop on Kerr Street; less than a 2 minute walk from Capital.

Please note: The Edinburgh office is closed on the following dates over the Christmas period-

•Monday 26th December

•Tuesday 27th December

•Monday 2nd January

Don't want to come into Edinburgh?

You can access your account in lots of different ways, including online.

• online. Click register for pin at the top of this page to register to access your account online. You will be able to view your accounts and transactions and request withdrawals by email.
• over the phone. You can telephone our local number 0131 225 9901 during opening hours to both deposit and withdraw funds from your Capital members account. We can accept debit card and credit cards but be aware there is a 3% surcharge for credit cards share or loan payments. Withdrawals can be made over the phone once your bank details are already registered with us. Send in your bank details using our easy to complete form. Click here. This is a secure method and we will only make withdrawals once you have completed security questions and the bank details match our records.
• credEcard. This handy card is designed with our members in mind. With an upfront monthly fee you can rest assured you won't be stung with bank charges at the end of each month. You can use the credEcard in shops, when buying goods online and at ATM machines for cash withdrawals. And the best bit... you earn cash back when you shop in certain retailers reducing your monthly cost, or even making a profit! Click here for more information.

Don't forget you can apply for a loan online and all paperwork and correspondence can be sent by post and email.

These telephone and online services we hope will be simple and efficient.

We are making every effort to provide quick, easy and accessible member services and hope that you bear with us during these changes.

On the Road again - Competition Time

For the next 4 weeks, Capital Credit Union is setting up shop in Livingston Almondvale Shopping Centre.

Our member services team will be on hand to spread the word about the benefits of being a Capital Credit Union member and help our current members with enquiries about our products, services and member benefits.

Whether you would like to become a member of Capital CU, are thinking of apply for a loan, but don’t know which product would be the best to suit your needs or would like to discuss anything about Capital CU and the products and services that we offer.

Pop along to Livingston shopping centre and speak to one of our friendly member services team who are on hand to help with your enquiries.

We are also running a fantastic competition to win £100 shopping vouchers, just in time for Christmas!!!

For anyone who becomes a member through the Livingston stand, they will be automatically entered into our prize draw *T&C apply.

Our last day in Livingston is on Sunday 11th of December so we hope to see you all there. For those wishing to post the application form they obtained from the stand along with their ID, the deadline for these to be received is the 16th of December.

Do something different today.

Take a fresh approach to financial services!

 Good luck!!!!

International Credit Union Day

Today is international credit union day!

Today we celebrate with all our members being part of Capital CU and with credit union members in hundreds of different countries. Collectively we form the worldwide movement of credit unions, bringing our ethos, values and services to every corner of the globe.

We kicked off our celebrations in Edinburgh this morning by launching our newest product the Swift500 at Scottish Parliament. MSP Iain Gray from East Lothian and MP Fiona O’Donnell also from East Lothian both fully supportive of credit unions welcomed our new product which is aims to offer an affordable alternative to payday lenders. Capital CU and Scotwest CU's staff and board members have worked together over the past few months on this new loan service to tackle the lack of affordable payday type loans in Scotland. Scotwest launched their Fast500 loan earlier in the year and were able to share their knowledge and give full support to us here at Capital. Thanks to the great cooperation between Scotwest and Capital here in Edinburgh we are pleased to launch the Swift500 today.

Main features of the Swift500 loan include:

• Apply before 3pm and get a decision on your loan application the same day
• Repayment amount to suit your salary and over a period of up to 6 months
• Up to £500 for each Swift500 loan

The Swift500 is currently for members saving through the payroll services of one of our sponsoring employers. Applications can be taken online, in person or over the telephone.

We have launched this new additional service for members in order to provide quick and easy loans to access without the interest rates usually associated with these kinds of payday loans. Whilst other lenders issuing instant loans linked to your payday charge often well over 1000% APR, Capital is committed to never charging more than 26.8% APR. That is just 2% interest per month with the Swift500.

This new product is competitively priced with a very quick decision for applicants. That means more services for our members. So with that in mind we hope you will be proud to be part of our community and the wider credit union movement today on International Credit Union Day.

New FlexiLoan

Exciting news here at Capital CU today is the launch of our New FlexiLoan!!!!

The FlexiLoan has been developed to give our Sponsoring Employer members who are saving through  payroll access to a loan fund where they are in control of how much they need when they need it.

Our Flexiloan will give you just that - flexibility to manage your finances.

For more information click here.

Keep checking our website and Facebook page for more announcements of further new products - All coming very shortly.

New CredECard Now Available

Changes To Newsletter & Statement Mailouts

Capital Credit Union Celebrate Success

Capital Credit Union presented with Excellence in Education Award at the 1st Annual National Credit Union Awards 

Capital Credit Union added to their extensive catalog of accolades by receiving the Excellence in Education Award for their support of the UK Development Education (DEUK) Programme. They received this award from the Unity Trust Bank at the National Credit Union Awards ceremony held in London's Congress House last Thursday 17th February. The National Credit Union Awards for Excellence are a new set of awards to recognise the outstanding contribution of credit unions. They are designed to champion and pay tribute to the extraordinary work of the countless unsung individuals who give their time and expertise to the credit union movement. The winners of the awards were selected by an eminent panel of judges consisting of celebrated scholars, politicians & industry experts. The purpose of the DEUK Programme is to arm its students with the tools and best practices concerned with developing credit unions of all shapes and sizes. In turn, the programme also educates its scholars in how credit unions can be part of and help develop all aspects of any community. Marlene Shiels, CEO of Capital Credit Union and Director of the DEUK Programme said: Every day, more than 49,000 credit unions worldwide provide products and services to their members, especially those demonstrating the greatest financial need. These awards are a tribute to those credit unions and individuals who have gone above and beyond on behalf of their members. Capital Credit Union was also commended for a further two awards; the Excellence in Community Mobilisation Award & the Excellence in Active Partnerships Award. Both these awards recognise the extraordinary lengths Capital has gone to helping financially excluded individuals access affordable credit and create wealth through safe and secure savings. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL CREDIT UNION AWARDS PLEASE VISIT WWW.CREDITUNIONAWARDS.CO.UK

FuneralProtect+

When Will You Think About Funeral Costs?

With the average cost of a funeral reaching £3,000 it is important to start planning ahead. FuneralProtect+ is the simple and affordable way to gain real peace of mind.

FuneralProtect+ is a unique policy that:

• Provides cover from just £2.00 per month
• Is specially designed so you can add family members to the policy
• Guaranteed cash sum towards funeral cost for each person on the policy
• Offers full benefits after only 6 months
• Is provided by two leading mutual organisations you can trust

TO OBTAIN A QUOTE SIMPLY CLICK HERE

OR

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL CUNA MUTUAL ON 0845 123 7880

Your Savings Are Safe With Us

Important Information About Compensation Arrangements

We are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The FSCS can pay compensation to depositors if a credit union is unable to meet its financial obligations.

The current existing limit for deposits is £50,000.

As of the 31st December 2010, the FSCS limit for deposits will increase following European legislation to the equivalent of €100,000 which is currently the equivalent to approximately £85,000.

For further information about the scheme (including the amounts covered and eligibility to claim) please ask at your local branch, refer to the FSCS website http://www.fscs.org.uk/ or call 0800 678 1100

Change in Opening Hours

21st Century Capital!

Over the past year Capital has been highly focussed on becoming a more interactive, member friendly online service provider.

We are proud to announce that our members can now access the following services online, with many more to come in the New Year!

Available Now

To Come in 2011!

For further information on how to access & utilise these services please CLICK HERE and send us your enquiry via email.

CREDIT UNION EMPLOYEES GRADUATE FROM CIOBS

West Lothian Credit Union Forum are celebrating the success of one of their employees successfully graduating from the CIOBS with flying colours. Janet Mundy, a Development Officer with the West Lothian Credit Union Forum, went from graduand to graduate on the 13th of November and is 1 of 4 credit union employees to have recently gained this qualification.

The CIOBS Credit Union Practice module is part of a Financial Services Diploma and was supported and financed by two of the leading credit unions in Britain, Edinburgh's Capital Credit Union and Glasgow's Scotwest Credit Union. Marlene Shiels, CEO of Capital and CIOBS council member said

“At a time when it is easier to cut training budgets it is particularly welcome to see the increase in students from the Credit Union movement who have graduated with the CIOBS Credit Union Practice Module. Education is critical to the growth and development of our Credit Unions in Britain and this module is an excellent way to learn about credit unions, our legislation and infrastructure. Congratulations to all our colleagues that have achieved this excellent qualification.

(Marlene Shiels, CEO of Capital and CIOBS council member)

The Credit Union Practice certificate has been credit rated at level 7 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework by the SQA, which highlights the level of achievement gained by all 5 graduates:

You have to be well disciplined when undertaking this module as it requires a vast amount of personal study. The module is very well constructed and, as a development officer for credit unions, I am always looking to add to my knowledge of the financial world. I would highly recommend the Credit Union in Practice module especially to those looking to forward or pursue a career in the financial sector.

(Janet Mundy, Development Officer for West Lothian CU Forum.)

The other successful graduates from the Credit Union Practice Certificate were Chinyere Adeniyi-Alade of Grampian Credit Union, James Richards of Campden Plus Credit Union and Shane Bowes or Pentecostal Credit Union. We extend our congratulations to you all.

If you would like to find out more about the Credit Unions Practice module or any other courses the Chartered Banking Institute have to offer, please visit their website www.ciobs.org.uk.

Exciting Developments @ Capital Credit Union

As an ethical organisation, we are forever striving to find new ways of making the way we do business more time and energy efficient. With this in mind, Capital will no longer be mailing out welcome packs to new members. Instead, we will post out a welcome letter which will direct our new members to our website for further information regarding our Products & Services.

Click Here to visit our Document Download page

Over the past year we have been working towards making our website more interactive & user friendly, allowing our members access to their finances at the click of a mouse. This move will also drastically cut down the amount of paper we use in branch, lessening both our Carbon Footprint and our operational costs.

Looking towards the future we will be implementing further changes with regards to the way we communicate with our members. Being the 21st Century, we feel it is time for Capital to become more electronically focussed and technologically driven. Please continue to visit our website for updates & details on these advances and how they will benefit you