‘You’re taught maths in school, but you don’t get taught much about finances’

Great Western Credit Union is a member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network.

Matt Jones is the member support manager at Great Western Credit Union and has been at the credit union for over 14 years. Matt started out as a member advisor at a Branchpoint, where he worked on the ground to help members in the community. These were often members who were struggling to build financial stability and sought the credit union for support. Throughout his tenure at GWCU, Matt has moved into a leadership role, where he leads a team of dedicated staff working to support members who are struggling with their financial commitments.

What’s the one thing that inspires you to get up in the morning?

Working with likeminded people that are trying to make things better. Being involved in customer service, I am working to resolve problems for people that may not have the means or ability to do it for themselves. Helping people in the day to day gives me a lot of job satisfaction.

If you could pick one thing to change about Bristol what would it be?

Education around money is a wider issue. You’re taught maths in school, but you don’t get taught much about finances; how to use credit cards or debit cards – some may not know the difference between the two. I think we should focus on teaching people the importance of financial basics, such as understanding the small print in contracts, websites, or even what the numbers on the back of a debit card mean. Whether it’s free courses or drop in sessions, I think it is something Bristol could work on to support the financially vulnerable.

What does a Better Bristol mean to you?

I’d love to see a place in Bristol that is in between a hospital and a school. Many people do need help, support and education all at the same time. A service like that would be amazing. A place where people can recover and get whatever they might be lacking, providing care and education. Something that isn’t a school or a hospital but a service that is able to deal with the needs of the community by placing the appropriate services. Something so that people aren’t left to make their own way the best they can.

What action could you as an individual take? What action could your company take?

I think working for a company that isn’t about profit and focused on helping people is a good start. I will of course continue to support my local shelters and charities, but I think our organisation could provide a scheme for employees to support local organisations by volunteering – things that revolve around helping to keep our community clean, supporting local organisations and caring for others.

What do you want to see from the Bristol business community in the next five years?

Bristol businesses do have a sense of community – the Bristol Life awards are an example. And a lot of organisations are already working to help their local community and reinvesting into Bristol.

I think the Bristol business community could further put people before profits, which can look different for all organisations. I think businesses should support the local community in which they operate through community initiatives and by helping the many people that are already on the ground doing the hard work. It would be great if the business community prioritised improving their local communities.

Another way to do this is by having businesses simply focus on people within their own organisation. People that help build these businesses should be provided resources to help them grow and thrive within Bristol. Money@Work, provided by Great Western Credit Union, is an amazing initiative that benefits both employers and employees by widening access to affordable loans and ethical savings through employee payroll. Focusing on helping the people that are contributing to business success, we would be building a positive, ethical and thriving business community in Bristol.

This story is from a member of Bristol24/7’s Better Business Network. Better Business was set up to help Bristol’s businesses meet, collaborate, raise their profile and drive positive change in the local area.

To learn more or to get involved, click here or email partnerships@bristol247.com today.

Main photo: Great Western Credit Union

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