You have carved an impressive niche for yourself

THE LOCAL microfinance landscape has grown tremendously in the last few years, with several companies offering a myriad of products to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

First Union Financial Group Limited has carved an impressive niche for itself among the companies operating locally. I take this opportunity to congratulate the company on successfully evolving to a diversified entity now boasting several subsidiaries. Having started in 1999 with only one branch in Cross Roads, I also applaud First Union’s growth to 14 branches

islandwide, supported by the company’s 200member staff.

This is indicative of a strategic and holistic focus on both the growth of the company, as well as its contribution to the local economy through job creation.

Indeed, First Union’s plans to open a new 10,000-square-foot headquarters in Kingston this year and the additional 40 jobs that this will create is quite commendable.

First Union’s foray into the fields of online shopping and courier services, office systems/furniture, food manufacturing, real estate development and pest control services, among others, through their subsidiaries, also indicates the company’s vision for further growth.

Indeed, the Government of Jamaica is keen on supporting the microfinance sector through the provisions of the Microcredit Bill, which will provide the framework for regulation and thereby promote the growth of the microfinance arm of the First Union Financial Group Limited.

I take this opportunity to wish First Union Financial Group Limited and its staff continued success as the company seeks to achieve its mission of supporting the growth of small businesses while securing and improving on its own growth through the diversification into other industries. AUDLEY SHAW Minister of Finance and the Public Service