Wave Community Bank Launches ‘Making Waves’ Podcast Series to Celebrate 25 Years

In 2025, Wave Community Bank marks its 25th anniversary, and to celebrate, we’re launching a special series of podcasts called Making Waves. This series will reflect on our journey, explore the impact we’ve had, and highlight the ways we continue to support financial wellbeing in our communities. We’re launching the series with our first four episodes.

Episode 1: Celebrating 25 Years of Wave Community Bank

Wave Community Bank started as Brighton East Credit Union in August 2000, with the goal of helping people access financial services and avoid financial exclusion. A decade later, we expanded our common bond and became East Sussex Credit Union. Today, we also serve members across Kent, Medway and the London Borough of Bexley, with our name reflecting exactly what we do—making waves in financial inclusion. In this episode, Deputy CEO Emma sits down with Phill to discuss:

• What sets Wave apart from traditional banks
• Our cooperative, not-for-profit structure
• How we reinvest in the community to combat illegal money lending
• Our partnerships with local councils, charities, and organisations like Moneyworks
• The evolution of Wave from paper-based processes to a 99% digital experience

We also introduce our newest service: the Christmas Savings Account. Designed to help members budget for the festive season, it allows savings to be unlocked from 1st November to 24th December—helping members plan ahead without relying on credit cards or overdrafts.

> Listen Now on Spotify

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Episode 2: The Power of Saving with Wave

In this episode, we explore the benefits of our savings accounts and how they empower our members:

• Share Accounts: Every member holds at least one share, making them a part-owner of the credit union.
• Wave Save Account: A digital savings tool helping members to set up to 10 savings goals, complete with emoji icons and savings trackers.
• Christmas Savings Account: Designed to ease financial stress during the festive period by ensuring funds are available when needed.
• PrizeSaver Account: A unique savings incentive where every £1 saved (up to £200) gives members a chance to win prizes, including a top prize of £5,000.
• Young Saver Accounts: Encouraging financial education from an early age, with 2% interest for young savers and benefits like reduced bus fares.

We also discuss how credit unions support community groups, which often struggle to open bank accounts, by offering accessible financial services without credit checks.

> Listen Now on Spotify

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Episode 3: Affordable and Ethical Loans

Wave Community Bank offers loans that help members build savings while borrowing. Every loan repayment includes a savings element, ensuring borrowers develop healthy financial habits. Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Family Saver Loans: Repaid through Child Benefit, offering an affordable, accessible borrowing option.
• Homeowner Loans: Competitive rates for homeowners looking for ethical borrowing solutions.
• Debt Consolidation Loans: Helping members manage multiple debts with a single, structured repayment plan.
• Payroll Deduction Loans: Available through our Chorus scheme, allowing employees to make loan repayments directly from their wages.

We also touch on how Wave remains ethical, ensuring loans are affordable and responsible while balancing the need to pay dividends to our members.

> Listen Now on Spotify

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Episode 4: Chorus – Workplace Savings and Loans through payroll

Our Chorus scheme is a free staff benefit that allows employees to save and repay loans directly from their wages. In this episode, we explore:

• The benefits of payroll savings for employees, including reduced financial stress and improved money management.
• The advantages for employers such as increased staff retention and productivity.
• How businesses can partner with Wave to offer Chorus to their workforce.#Existing employer partners including bus companies, local authorities, and NHS trusts.
• Additional benefits including discounted gym memberships and bus fares for members.

Employers interested in joining Chorus can contact us at info@wavecb.org.uk or visit savewithchorus.org.uk to learn more.

> Listen Now on Spotify