Palace date to get MBE

AWARD FOR CREDIT UNION BOSS

THE chief executive of a financial cooperative has been made an MBE at an investiture at Windsor Castle.

Teresa Manning, pictured, boss of Clockwise Credit Union, in Leicester, received the award, from Princess Anne, for “services to financial inclusion, to the credit union movement and to the community in Leicestershire”.

She said: “I am still surprised but obviously delighted.

“I consider it an honour for all staff and volunteers of Clockwise who have contributed to the work of the credit union over the past 25-plus years, providing financial services across the community, but particularly to those excluded from mainstream financial services.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved and look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of members of the communities we serve.

“I am pleased that the credit union movement is also noted in the honour.

“There are about 400 credit unions nationally providing similar services and I passionately believe we should support one another to strengthen the movement.

“I am a huge advocate of co-operation and hope I have contributed in some way to supporting other credit unions over the years.

“Regarding the wider communities of Leicestershire and Rutland, it has always been important to us to support initiatives which benefit residents.

“We created a community grant fund which has provided small grants to organisations as diverse as a cafe for homeless, a boxing club and a charity which provides safe space for children impacted by family breakdown to meet with their parents.”

Clockwise chairman Paul Mattioli said: “Teresa will, of course, credit this award to the very professional and loyal staff at Clockwise, but this is also an award for her extraordinary commitment over the 26 years that she has been associated with both Clockwise and the wider credit union movement.

“I know that she will use this as an opportunity to further the work Clockwise does, just as she has continually strengthened the organisation, year on year, since she took over as CEO.

“We are all immensely proud of her.”

Clockwise completed a merger in early October with New Central Credit Union, in Coalville, taking their total membership to over 20,000.

Teresa said: “I am so pleased we are able to expand our reach and offer a larger community access to safe savings and affordable loans.”