Bringing essential financial services and community support back to the high street. 

Ecology has always dared to be different. That’s how we started: by going against the grain.

We said ‘yes’ when others said ‘no’ to lending that was out of the ordinary: energy efficient homes, ambitious community-led projects.

Since then, we’ve delivered thousands of mortgages that have made a real difference, powered by those who choose to question where they place their money; the people who want to make a positive, not passive, impact with their savings.

Now, in keeping with our vision of creating a fair society in a sustainable world, we’re taking another bold step.

We’re going to put Ecology onto the high street with the launch of our first-ever branch, in Porth, South Wales.

Why are we doing this?

We believe towns and villages across the UK have been abandoned by the big banks. And, in a post-Covid world, where many have been affected by the cost-of-living crisis, we don’t think this is fair.

So we’re going to show everyone that you can operate an efficient and effective branch network that supports local people and communities. That brings back the security, stability and community connections that branches offer.

What will Ecology Porth branch deliver?

We’ll provide building society services that are personal, practical and supportive.

Our branch team will provide help and advice to local residents looking for savings products and mortgages.

Our innovative kiosks will offer free cash withdrawals and deposits for people, even if they don’t have an account with us. This will be a lifeline for local businesses and residents.

And we’ll offer space in the branch for community groups to use to come together for activities that strengthen local wellbeing.

For years we’ve been supporting projects that build and restore derelict buildings. We’re now doing this ourselves in Porth, converting an empty shop into a branch that will be the hub of the high street. This is thanks to a partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, supported by a grant from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Funding to renovate the disused premises.

We plan to open in April this year. In the meantime, you can join our Porth Facebook site here and sign up for email updates here.