Anthony joined the Board in October 2019 and became Chair in July 2020.   Anthony has 35 years of experience within financial services mainly in the insurance sector. 

Originally specialising in underwriting and product management, Anthony worked for companies such as Prudential, AXA and Ageas, partnering with brands such as Tesco, John Lewis, M&S, American Express.  More recently he has been drawn to the culture and values of co-operative, membership-based companies, where he has managed trading and business units and lead strategic and operational change programmes.  

Nowadays Anthony splits his time between running a family business, voluntary work and his hobbies of gardening, walking and cycling (order of preference – weather depending!)

Laurence is now in his 6^th year with West Cheshire Credit Union.   As a retired Finance Director Laurence brings an extensive and wide ranging experience gained across a number of large and small businesses.

Born and bred in Chester with strong sporting interests, Laurence is also a volunteer with Chester Football Club.

Stephen has lived with his partner Zena in Upton, Chester since 1994.  Stephen and Zena have two daughters, Katie who is studying at Bristol University and Alice who is currently undertaking a masters at Leeds University.

After working within the NHS as a Senior Manager Stephen moved into public-private partnerships delivering new hospitals, schools and primary care facilities.   

Stephen is a member of the Chester Triathlon Club and as a keen runner and cyclist having completed many marathon and ultra marathon races as well as cycling Coast 2 Coast in a day and the West -East transverse of the Pyrenees.  

Magnus has a background in financial and commodity trading, risk management and corporate development. He has worked in both public and private sector building and managing teams for the last 20+years procuring and developing energy solutions for large consumers and central government.

Since 2019 he has run his own consultancy, works part time for a national energy group, and supports a tech start up and a university fuel cell project.

Outside of working Magnus enjoys running, cycling, reading, theatre and when possible travelling with wife and daughter to new places to explore and relax.

Jo joined the Board in July 2021 and has over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, working for organisations including Aviva, MBNA, HBOS and Bupa.  Her background in statistics and love of numbers (yes, she knows she is in the minority!) resulted in her specialising in marketing and customer insight using data and customer behaviour and feedback to improve marketing and shape service, campaigns and products that work better for customers.  As the pandemic hit in 2020, Jo found opportunities to connect into the local community and now volunteers at Deeside vaccination centre and for a Cheshire based befriending charity.  She is delighted to become a director for WCCU to enable her to continue to use her skills to benefit the community she lives in.

In her spare time, Jo enjoys cycling, running and walking and finding ways to enjoy the great outdoors to give a boost to her mental and physical wellbeing.  

Craig joined the board in June 2021.  Having formerly worked for Cheshire West and Chester Council in the Benefits service for many years, he now works for one of our housing partners, working with tenants and partners, providing advice and support to help sustain tenancies.   

Craig brings with him extensive knowledge of the DWP benefits system, including the welfare benefit changes and the support available to those affected by the changes and is also passionate about excellent customer service and giving support to those who need it.

In his spare time, Craig spends time with his family, he has been married for 13 years to Tina and has two daughters, Rebecca and Seren.  He enjoys reading, listening to music and quizzing.