Posts by Adrian Davies
Loan recycling: the hidden reason credit union loan books stall
Some credit unions are processing millions in lending each year but aren’t growing at all. The reason is loan recycling. Successfully addressing this is a direct route to sustainable growth. Why the loan recycling rate matters more than you think The loan recycling rate measures what proportion of a credit union’s opening loan book was…
Read MoreNo more marketing without measurement
Credit union marketing analytics are improving – but the gap between spend and insight remains significant. Social media campaigns, email outreach, partnerships, broker channels and community events are just some examples of marketing activities. But campaigns cost money and staff time. Critically, when loans arrive, there’s little insight into their origin. As a result, it’s…
Read MoreHow to improve your chances of being approved for credit
Last reviewed March 2026 i QUICK ANSWER Lenders assess your creditworthiness before approving any application. You can improve your chances by paying bills on time, registering on the Electoral Roll, keeping credit utilisation low, avoiding multiple applications in a short period, and checking your credit report for errors. When you apply for credit, whether a…
Read MoreWhat is a thin credit file and how does it affect your loan application?
Last reviewed March 2026 i QUICK ANSWER A thin credit file means little or no credit history. Lenders use your credit history to decide whether to lend. So a thin file can lead to declined applications or less favourable terms. Why you might have a thin credit file There are several common reasons. These can…
Read MoreHow Northern Ireland Credit Unions Can Win Younger Members
The average age of a credit union loan applicant in Northern Ireland is 44 years. In Great Britain, it’s 38. That six-year gap isn’t just a statistic; it’s a warning sign. A membership that skews older isn’t standing still. Older members borrow less, save more, and eventually stop needing financial services altogether. A credit union…
Read MoreSoft vs hard credit check: what’s the difference?
Last reviewed February 2026 i QUICK ANSWER A soft credit check looks at your credit file but doesn’t leave a footprint other lenders can see, and it has no effect on your credit score. A hard credit check leaves a footprint and is recorded when you formally apply for credit. A single hard check usually…
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