South West Community Finance Providers Celebrate Record Impact

Three of the South West’s leading Community Finance organisations are celebrating a record-breaking year of supporting individuals, households, and businesses across the region with access to fair, affordable, and community-driven finance.

Great Western Credit Union, Lendology CIC and SWIG Finance have formed a mission-aligned Community Finance Partnership to raise awareness of impact-led funding initiatives that help drive local economic growth, improve lives, and create a more sustainable future.

Headline Results

Together, the Partnership delivered:

• £30 million delivered to individuals, households and small businesses.
• A 19.5% year-on-year increase.

Lending Breakdown:

SWIG Finance delivered:

• A record £14.8 million in lending, an increase of £800,000 on 2023/24.
• £3.4 million was delivered to businesses in the region’s most deprived communities.
• The funding helped safeguard and create 1,272 jobs and create 413 new businesses.
• SWIG’s team is dedicated to increasing access to finance for small businesses, with 30 Access to Finance workshops delivered during the year.

Lendology CIC delivered:

• A record-breaking £3.6 million in loans to homeowners.
• Supported 405 homeowners with finance for vital home repairs, adaptations, and renewable energy installations.
• Increased its loan book by 27% by adding four new council partners to its sustainable, recyclable loan model.
• Notably, 50% of all loans were for renewable and energy efficiency measures, supporting residents to reduce energy bills, futureproof homes, and help tackle the climate crisis.

Great Western Credit Union delivered:

• A record-breaking lending value of £11m across the year, a 22% rise.
• 6,861 affordable loans to people across the region, up 19% on the year before.
• Interest-free lending to support 612 homeless families to access rented accommodation in partnership with local authorities.
• 19% of all savings and lending activity across the year to households in the worst-off 20% of areas in England.

Driving Inclusive, Responsible Finance

Collectively, Great Western Credit Union, Lendology CIC, and SWIG Finance are the voice of the South West’s community lenders. Through accessible, affordable finance, they create meaningful change for households, small businesses, and the region’s economy.

John Peters, MD of SWIG Finance, said:

"These figures highlight the tangible difference Community Finance organisations can make. We’re working to build resilience in our communities by ensuring that marginalised people and businesses have a fair opportunity to access the finance they need to thrive."

Emma Lower, CEO of Lendology CIC, commented:

"This is about more than just numbers. It’s about creating real, lasting change that transforms lives, builds stronger local economies, and helps people thrive. We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside SWIG Finance, a fellow CDFI championing fair, inclusive, and value-driven lending right here in the South West."

James Berry, CEO of Great Western Credit Union, added:

""This past year’s results reflect our deep commitment to financial inclusion. By delivering £11 million in affordable lending and reaching thousands of households—many in the most disadvantaged areas—we’re demonstrating the real impact a growing, values-driven credit union can have."

About the Organisations:

SWIG Finance: Business loans from £500 up to £250,000.

SWIG Finance is a people-based company that provides loans and support to help smaller businesses in the South and West Country grow. We base our lending decisions on potential rather than collateral, which means that we can often support businesses when others can't. Loans are subject to status. 

Apply here: https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/

How to contact SWIG Finance: info@swigfinance.co.uk | www.swigfinance.co.uk | 01872 227 930

Lendology: Home improvement loans £1,000 up to £25,000.

Lendology became the UK’s first carbon-neutral lender in 2022 and remains a certified B Corp.

Ready to improve your home’s energy efficiency and live in a safer, warmer environment? Click below to apply with Lendology CIC and access homeowner loans backed by councils. Prioritising holistic assessments tailored to your needs, we’re here to make a difference in your home and community. Loans are subject to status.

Apply here: https://www.lendology.org.uk/apply-now/apply-now-full/

How to contact Lendology CIC: communications@lendology.org.uk | www.lendology.org.uk | 01823 461099

Great Western Credit Union: Affordable personal loans from £100 up to £15,000.

Whether you need a new car, looking to remodel your kitchen, or simply hoping to consolidate your debt into one easy, affordable repayment, GWCU offers personal loans that could help you achieve your goals. Loans are subject to status.

Apply for a loan here: https://greatwesterncu.org/loans

(You must live, work or study in GWCU’s membership area, covering Bristol, Bath, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire to access a loan or savings account.)

How to contact Great Western Credit Union: info@gwcu.org.uk | www.greatwesterncu.org  | 0117 924 7309

Both Lendology CIC and SWIG Finance are members of Responsible Finance, the UK’s CDFI trade association.