Northamptonshire credit union Commsave is marking International Women’s Day on 8th March by celebrating the women at the heart of its success – and whose stories reflect this year’s theme: Give to Gain.

This year, Commsave celebrates its 35th anniversary – and has never been in stronger shape, with a record membership of over 42,000 people across the UK.

Liellah Currey, Deputy CEO, said: “At Commsave, we believe that when you invest in people – genuinely, not just on paper – it comes back to you tenfold. The women in this organisation don’t just do their jobs brilliantly; they mentor, encourage, challenge and support one another every single day. That’s what Give to Gain means to me. I’m incredibly proud of every one of them, and of the culture we’re continuing to build together.”

Much of that growth has been driven by Commsave’s expanding network of Employer Partners – organisations across the UK that offer Commsave membership as a free staff benefit, giving employees access to ethical savings, affordable loans and financial education. Trudi Brown joined in 2023 specifically to build those partnerships, onboarding 13 new partners in her first year – a record four in a single month – before being promoted to Business Development Manager in 2024.

Trudi said: “It’s rewarding to hear feedback from members who have benefited from our services and the impact it’s made on their life or circumstances. The team I work with are brilliant – so hard working, results driven and passionate. I love that we’re all on the same page, it’s really motivating

“I try to manage in a style that encourages growth and creativity, where my team feel valued and able to contribute fully with their ideas. I always try to be their biggest ambassador – to shout about their achievements and use my own experiences to coach. They know they can come to me with any problem and we will get through it together.”

Caitlin Connelly has spent eight years at Commsave, progressing from Communications Apprentice to Senior Business Development and Communications Administrator. She sees social media as central to how Commsave builds trust with the communities it serves.

“My role is very embedded in the community we have at Commsave, especially the digital community on social media,” said Caitlin. “It’s such a powerful tool when it comes to building trust. I’m a big advocate for standing up for what you believe in, and I try to put that mentality out to my team too.”

Since launching its Community Fund in 2022 Commsave has distributed more than £150,000 to local charities, schools and grassroots organisations, with nominations open to all members. Recent beneficiaries include The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation, The Motor Neurone Disease Association, Denton Primary School and Impact-Now UK.

Ty-Lee Bryan-Wong joined Commsave in Member Services in 2024 before progressing into Business Development last year. She sees her role as a direct bridge between Commsave and the people who need it most.

“Spreading awareness helps to reach those who feel like high street lenders won’t help, or those who want to save,” said Ty-Lee. “I get to meet potential and current members, build rapport and help them understand the support Commsave can provide for them and their family.”

A new Commsave employee is Delyth Williams, who has joined the Business Development team: “I’ve been fortunate to have had highly influential mentors during my career – people who instilled in me the confidence to move forward, even when self-doubt suggested otherwise. Every journey begins with a single courageous step. From there, momentum builds and meaningful progress follows.”

Delyth added: “Never stop learning and make reading part of your discipline, not an afterthought. It broadens not only knowledge but perspective – and that’s what helps you make better decisions, develop stronger partnerships and lead with confidence.”

Commsave was crowned UK Employer of the Year at the 2023 SME National Awards, having also scooped multiple Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards the same year. That culture of investing in people starts from day one, as Marketing Apprentice Pippa Hodgkins can testify. Pippa, who is already creating social content, editing video and developing her copywriting skills, said: “The best advice I’ve been given is that it’s never too late to start your career, and you’re never too old. Take the risk, jump in, and don’t be scared to fail – that’s how you learn.”

Trudi, reflecting on what she would tell her younger self, summed up the spirit of International Women’s Day:

“It’s ok if you don’t have it all figured out yet,” she said, “just do what you love and try to say yes to everything. It’ll open doors and build confidence, and you never know where you could end up.”

About Commsave Credit Union

Commsave Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial co-operative headquartered in Northampton. With over 42,000 members across the UK, Commsave provides safe savings, affordable credit and access to financial education, helping people build genuine financial resilience. As a member-owned organisation, Commsave exists to serve its members, not shareholders.

To find out more about joining Commsave, becoming an Employer Partner, or applying to the Community Fund, visit www.commsave.co.uk