The evolution of a Jamaican brand

FIRST UNION Financial Group Limited is celebrating 18 years of successful business operation and service to the employees and entrepreneurs of Jamaica. First Union Financial Group Limited has grown from operating its business out of a red 1993 Honda Integra car to its newly constructed multimilliondollar corporate headquarters and a total of 14 branches islandwide.

We have grown steadily over the years and continue to expand through diversification under the First Union Financial Group with our various subsidiaries operating in different industries, while maintaining our core function of microfinancing for small and medium-size businesses and loans for the employees across the country.

Our group consists of the following subsidiaries: First Union Financial Company, UnionOne Express, eMac Office Systems, First Union Homes, PinkCat Pest Control Services, HomeFox, Tyco Foods, First Union Foundation

and Union Point Corporate Options. With our relentless support to the Jamaican economy through direct distribution of liquidity in the market at the micro level, as well as by investments in other sectors, such as two of our newly established subsidiaries, First Union Homes and PinkCat Pest Control Services, we continue to create direct and indirect employment through the services offered in our 14 branches, which we know help to stimulate the Jamaican economy’s growth and development.

First Union Financial Group’s new corporate headquarters is an impressive 10,000-squarefoot building located in the busy thoroughfare at 43 Eastwood Park Road in Kingston 10. From the grand, majestic and spacious interior, bolstered with vibrant colours and expansive workspaces on the interior, to the public space that surrounds its exterior; from the architectural features, built in a tasteful mix of modern and vintage European style, the building has a distinct and welcoming ‘First Union’ feel. The building was designed and constructed by First Union Homes Limited and Lexington Homes Limited. The overall multimillion-dollar building costs were financed by First Union Financial Company Limited. The interior layout and design was executed by eMac Office Systems Limited and Addon Irons Interior Designs.

First Union Financial’s success is largely owed to its financial backers, such as the Development Bank of Jamaica, National Insurance Fund and Micro Investment Development Agency (MIDA), who have never declined the demands for funds to assist in the development of Jamaican entrepreneurs across the island. Development Options Limited, with its CEO Maureen Webber, was instrumental in educating our CEO and Chairman Lloyd Campbell about the opportunities and obstacles in the microfinance industry, which laid the foundation for First Union Financial as it is today.

First Union Financial continues to provide liquidity to entrepreneurs across Jamaica through the provision of loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as employees in the public sector and stable private companies. The company plans to continue offering diverse and flexible financial solutions to customers, along with maintaining its provision of liquidity to MSMEs through various business loan options. First Union Financial has recently introduced mass reduction in interest rates, and reduced turnaround time in processing due to increased use of our online application process and at-your-desk loans, along with seasonal promotions.

Over the years, we have built a strong brand on the pillars of integrity, trust, efficiency, and effectiveness coupled with superior customer service while meeting the needs of our clients. It is our mission to continue our growth and contribution through our investments in both Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region.

First Union Financial Group is taking this opportunity to thank all of its clients for their years of support, its suppliers and its magnificent team of employees for their hard work, vision and dedicated service.