Rapid expansion for People's Choice

People’s Choice is to rapidly expand its national presence, launching eight new branches in Melbourne and Canberra.

Already Australia’s second largest credit union, People’s Choice is to open the branches – six in Melbourne and two in Canberra – later this year.

“We discovered an opportunity which was too good to pass up,” said Managing Director Peter Evers.

 “When we found out a short while ago that ME Bank was exiting from a number of its sites as part of a new service model we had a close look at the locations and agreed to take over the leases of eight of those sites.

“It’s a bold move but one which is very good for our business.”

Each of the eight sites is already operating as a financial centre so there’s no need for expensive redesigns and fit-outs, which will save considerable time and money.

“The branches are already designed to operate in a similar way as our existing sites, which is ideal,” Mr Evers said.

“We’re currently recruiting some 30 staff for these new branches and as soon as we change the signs we’ll be open for business, providing much better access to our services for our existing members in Victoria and the ACT.”

With the new sites People’s Choice will have 64 branches Australia-wide, with 14 in Victoria.

“Having a much larger presence in Victoria, particularly in Melbourne, will allow us to better meet the needs of our existing members and push for new members. And this is our first move into the ACT which is exciting in itself.”

The expansion announcement comes as People’s Choice prepares to celebrate its first birthday.

“From Day One we have made it very clear we have a growth strategy for People’s Choice, and this opportunity merely accelerates plans we had in place to push further into the eastern states,” Mr Evers said.

“We’re very confident that our business model which puts people before profits has great appeal Australia-wide.”

The expansion particularly benefits existing members.

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“As we continue to grow we will be able to offer new and improved products and services to all of our members, throughout Australia,” Mr Evers said.

“As well as expand our existing commitment to the community through programs like our Community Lottery.”

While People’s Choice has no specific expansion plans beyond the current activity, Mr Evers would not rule it out.

“Further expansion is part of our strategic plan so, while there is nothing else being considered at the moment, if another fantastic opportunity like this one came along then of course we’d look at it.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Marcus La Forgia, People’s Choice Credit Union
0421 585 740