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Lifetime Achievement Award for Celtic Credit Union Founder

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A founder member of Celtic Credit Union who has overseen its development into a leading ethical savings and loan provider for the people of Neath Port Talbot and Swansea has received a prestigious national award.

Adrian Howells received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Credit Unions of Wales after more than 22 years dedicated service.

During his time with Celtic Credit Union it has grown to four offices; 32 Community Collection Points; 54 School Savings Schemes and assets of £4m serving over 10,000 members.

Adrian, of Aberdare, explained:

“Initially we launched a steering committee to decide on how to create a credit union, because we were becoming very concerned at the amount of financially vulnerable individuals who were getting involved with unregistered lenders and we wanted to do something about it.

“Since then, the credit union has grown and now people from across Neath Port Talbot and Swansea have somewhere to save and borrow safely.

“Celtic Credit Union is an organisation that is central to people’s lives by making them financially secure.”

Since the early days of Celtic Credit Union, Adrian has been a committed member of the Board of Directors – fulfilling the roles of Chair, Secretary and now Treasurer.

Celtic Credit Union Business Development Manager Julie Mallinson said:

“Adrian is the lifeblood of Celtic Credit Union and we are incredibly grateful to him for more than twenty years dedicated service for the benefit of thousands of members.

“He has overseen the sound establishment and subsequent strong growth of Celtic Credit Union which continues to thrive and help financially support more people every day.”

Adrian spent almost his entire career involved in the voluntary and community improvement sectors. After serving for several years on various Voluntary Service Overseas projects around the world, he returned to work for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

Now retired he rarely misses any monthly Board Meetings and serves as the Board Liaison Officer to the Credit Control Committee – providing vital advice and experience on key lending decisions.

Adrian Howells is one of nine winners of this year’s Credit Unions Awards which is sponsored by the Welsh Forum of the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd (ABCUL) with support from the Welsh Government.

Robert Kelly, Chief Executive of ABCUL, said:

“The Credit Unions of Wales Awards illustrate the commitment and dedication of businesses, workers, organisations, members and volunteers towards the global credit union movement.

“It shows how credit unions are building communities and helping people manage their finances for a better future.

“Congratulations to all of the winners for all that they do to further the incredible work of ethical savings and loan providers across Wales.”

Business News Wales