Ace Credit Union Services

19/03/2026

It’s encouraging to see the continued commitment to growing the co-operative and mutual sector:

“I’m proud that this Labour Government is working hard to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector. Financial co-operatives like credit unions are an important part of that commitment…”

As a Co-operative and Labour politician, and CEO of ACE Credit Union, these are values I see in action every day—supporting communities and expanding fair access to finance.

Thank you to my board member for representing ACE at last night’s event—your leadership makes a real difference.

12/03/2026

23/02/2026

I am pleased to share a positive for our campaign supporting vulnerability and family funeral plans. The success reflects the strength of our credit union community standing up for the vulnerable impacted by the removal of family funeral plan. More urgent talks will take place over the coming weeks. But it is a clear demonstration of community power.

18/02/2026

Behind every small credit union is a story that shows just how close they are to the communities they serve. This credit Union has and is served by volunteers only.
Bernie was a young mum and a Marie Curie nurse when she first approached her local credit union. After a previous house repossession, her credit history made mainstream borrowing difficult. At the same time, her baby had just started crawling — and the uneven cement floor in their flat had become a real worry.
She didn’t need a large loan. Just a few hundred pounds to make her home safe.
Her credit union listened. They provided an affordable loan, alongside a savings plan to help her build financial confidence and security.
That first loan was repaid — and it was just the beginning.
Over the years, Bernie accessed further loans as her circumstances improved. She later became a volunteer with the credit union, developing new administrative skills at a time when she was feeling burnt out from her work in palliative care. Those skills helped her move into a new role as an administrator at a local health centre.
Today, the impact continues. Her “baby” is now 23, a credit union member himself — and recently received a loan for his first car.
As Bernie reflected:
“I can handle death and bereavement, but dealing with money REALLY scared me.”
This is the difference smaller credit unions make every day — understanding people’s situations, offering support without judgement, and helping families build confidence, stability and opportunity for the future

27/01/2026

This is a really important consultation for the sector. Time is running out the 30th of January is the cut-off date.
https://fair4allfinance.org.uk/request-for-input-on-how-we-prioritise-the-use-of-our-new-dormant-assets-funding/ Thats my day sorted!

Earlier this year, the Government confirmed further dormant assets funding to Fair4All Finance to help advance financial inclusion priorities. With the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy now published, this is an opportune moment to ensure our next programmes and workstreams align with sect...

23/01/2026

Thats why we are inviting you to save the date:
For the ACE Conference 2026.
📍 Location: TBC
🍽️ Conference Dinner: Wednesday 17 June 2026
📅 Conference Day: Thursday 18 June 2026
Further details including venue, agenda, speakers and booking information will be shared in due course.
In the meantime, please save the date in your diary — we look forward to welcoming credit union leaders, campaigners, unions and colleagues from across the sector for what promises to be an engaging and valuable event.

15/01/2026

Its Consultation time. I always think that if we want our voices heard then we need to be in the conversation. https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/who-we-are/governance-funding/strategic-plans-budget?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=plans-budget-2026-2027&dm_i=5GFD,1CNKE,67NUSR,5JUE3,1,,,

11/01/2026

A small moment reminded me what “common bond” really means
I was at a public event recently and started chatting with someone I’d just met.
At first it was polite conversation — the usual “where are you from?” and small talk. Then we realised something: both our parents came from Dublin.
And honestly, it was like something clicked.
The conversation became easier. Warmer. More relaxed.
We weren’t just strangers anymore — we had a shared thread.
That’s when I remembered what credit unions mean by common bond.
It’s easy to think of common bond as a membership rule or a technical definition.
But really, common bond is human:
It builds trust quicker
It creates belonging
It turns “me” into “we”
And in a world where so many people feel disconnected — and where financial services can feel cold or judgemental — that really matters.

06/01/2026

Legacy vs Progress — with Financial Inclusion Focus

Credit unions were built on courage, cooperation and vision.

But today, some are still a little afraid to stretch beyond the familiar — even when the regulator, the Government’s financial inclusion strategy is giving us a clear mandate

If our founders had played it safe, would we even exist?

Maybe the real legacy we should be protecting isn’t our boundaries —
but our purpose.

06/01/2026

Lately I’ve been experimenting with new technology — including creating and talking through different avatars. It’s been fun, creative and a bit out of my comfort zone… but that’s where the learning happens.
Technology keeps moving — and sometimes the best way to understand it is simply to play, explore and see what’s possible.
Here’s one of my latest attempts — hopefully it makes you smile as much as it did me! Equally there is an important message, we have been busy creating online training, available to credit unions, interested Drop me a message

05/01/2026

Training platform. When you learn a new skill!!!

05/01/2026

At ACE, we’re always thinking outside the box — new ideas, new ways of working and new ways to connect. So here’s something a little different from me… video included! Although I definitely speak with a Midlands Accent.