This is the first of: Focus on the Presenters, a short series that provides some valuable insight into the varying topics of discussion and the backgrounds of our brilliant speakers for Swoboda’s Who Do We Serve? Credit Union Conference on 23rd May.

Charlie Weston, personal finance editor of the Irish Independent, and Cathal Doherty, Statistician for the Central Statistics Office will set the scene: Charlie with a view across the financial services landscape and where credit unions fit, and Cathal bringing the demographic data on what Ireland looks like in 2023.

Cathal has a first hand comprehensive understanding of key social and other trends in Irish society. He will help credit unions understand their changing communities, as a basis for designing relevant strategies, value propositions and communications.

Charlie’s journalism show his special interest in credit unions, arguing for better treatment in a financial sector that is biased toward banks, but calling for credit unions to themselves seize the opportunities arising from a changing marketplace.

There are still some places left for Swoboda members and also non-members – book here to participate with Irish and British credit unions in this exciting day of discussion, ideas and networking.