The specialist commercial lender, Unity Trust Bank, has reported an increase in total net lending of more than £68million in its half year results.
As a socially motivated commercial bank, Unity’s customer lending reached £677million during this period, which includes funding for local businesses across London and the South as they continue to make a positive impact within their communities.
This includes support for Cricklewood Dental Practice’s £1.7m expansion of its training facilities in North London, and a £1.4m loan for Bangla Housing Association to purchase 13 affordable homes in East London for the local Bangladeshi community.
The increase in total net lending demonstrates how Unity continues to deliver safe and sustainable growth, reporting pre-tax profits of £5.2million for the first six months of the year, up 65% on the same period in 2020.
Growing at more than 25 per cent per annum, Unity supports SMEs and organisations that share its values in wanting to contribute to positive economic, social and environmental change.
In addition to Unity’s continued focus within education, housing and social care, there has been significant growth across the healthcare sector during the past six months, particularly in pharmacy and dentistry.
Linda Martin, Regional Director of the South for Unity Trust Bank, said:
“My team has demonstrated incredible resilience over the last 18 months, having provided unwavering support for our customers and adapting services to meet their evolving business needs at a time when income generation continues to be a challenge – it is a testament to the strength of our customer relationships and Unity’s people-first approach.
“We are proud to be able to support local organisations that operate for the greater good and demonstrate how finance can have a positive impact on society. We understand how crucial access to funding is for our customers to make an impact within their local communities, and to hep vulnerable people across the region.”
Margaret Willis, CEO of Unity Trust Bank, continued:
“At Unity, we recognise the role we play in addressing acute issues of inequality, which we anticipate will be increasingly prevalent as we emerge from the pandemic.
“The results that Unity has achieved in the first six months of the year has meant we have continued to deliver impact across the UK, from Scotland to the South Coast.
“As we look to expand our reach further, Unity, our people and our customers, are committed to helping to create a better society for all.”
