Discover
The SoundPound Group 

We’re turning pounds into power together.

Credit unions are financial institutions owned and controlled by their members.

We offer ethical and fair financial services, designed for real people, not profit. This means people can get a low-cost loan for unexpected expenses without big fees, or a savings account that helps their money grow.

For organisations, credit unions offer a great opportunity to set up payroll loans and savings accounts. Employees can manage their money better right from their salary, making life easier among many other benefits.

Credit unions don’t aim to make a profit. Instead, any extra money they earn is reinvested into the credit union’s services, rather than going to shareholders like at a typical bank. And by ‘shareholders’ we mean members!

Responsive and community-focused, credit unions adapt their services to what members need most, from educational resources to emergency funds.

Simply put, credit unions do what’s right. 

Our Story

  • The SoundPound Group began in 2016 when leaders from credit unions across Greater Manchester came together. We wanted to make more noise about how credit unions could help local people, right as the area was getting its own Metro Mayor and combined authority. We started as CU4GM, running successful campaigns like “Beat the Heat” and “How’s Your Balance” (yes, this is why you are seeing a man with a toaster balanced on his head). Our efforts have not paused since then; we’ve been actively enhancing local financial health year after year.

  • With the Mayor’s backing, we launched the SoundPound Loan (now Intro Loan) in 2023 that put us in the spotlight even more. This launched a fresh chapter for The SoundPound Group, boosting our partnership with the GMCA and raising our profile. We also teamed up with GMCVO on the ECF social enterprise lending project, a UK first! It’s made us a role model for other city mayors and regional bodies looking to spark positive change in the credit union sector and their communities.

  • In 2024, The SoundPound Group has shaken things up again. We embraced our new look and continue to find new, innovative ways to make a difference to Greater Manchester. What’s next? Watch this space.

Our Mission

  • We’re a robust collective of credit unions focused on delivering ethical and fair financial products that make a real difference.

  • We pool our knowledge, expertise and resources. We’re empowering Greater Manchester communities with access to financing that’s designed to enhance everyday economic stability.

  • We’re changemakers. We ignite transformation, unlock new opportunities and provide the financial solutions our communities desperately need. Our mission is to elevate financial wellness, improve the local social economy and drive community development.

  • We engage with people personally, making sure our financial guidance isn’t just helpful — it’s life-changing. We’re here to build resilient, thriving communities where everyone gets ahead. Together, we’re making Greatest Manchester — fairer and stronger than ever.