OUR 10 MOMENTS OF CELEBRATION FROM 2022
2022-12-20 15:44:00.0
December is a busy month for many; yet it is also a great time to pause and reflect on the amazing achievements made throughout the year. We’ve been taking a look at our stand-out moments of celebration, reflecting on some of the successes of BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK team members across the business.
Making a positive impact to our communities
Our UK team started the year with an ambitious target of donating 800 hours of our time to charitable causes, feeding into the wider global bank’s ‘1 Million Hours 2 Help’ initiative.
Francois de Galbert, Deputy CEO commented; “Not only did we reach our target, but we also exceeded it by providing 950 hours of time! One volunteering highlight from the year was when we transformed a Sense UK residential home in West Bromwich. With 22% of the population living with a disability, the team at BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK wanted to create an environment where people are free to be themselves and celebrate what makes them different. This environment is reflected through the Sense charity, which specialises in supporting and housing those with learning, physical or sensory disabilities.”
Using a total of 156 hours, the volunteers stripped Disney wallpaper and climbed ladders to give the accommodation a fresh look. The hard work resulted in a refresh of two bedrooms, two bathrooms and common spaces that are now enjoyed by residents.
Recognised for being a Top Employer
We started the year with a bang when we were, yet again, named a Top Employer 2022 by the Top Employers Institute.
Susan Farmer, Chief People Officer said: “Our commitment to being a role model company and employer was reflected in the feedback from the judging panel, and we are especially proud of the work we’ve done this year to take care of our colleagues’ mental wellbeing and strengthening our diversity and inclusion networks.”
Strengthening our commitment to sustainability
Reducing our environmental impact is a key focus at BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, so much so that we launched our Environmental Committee and have launched our new '12 Days of Christmas' sustainable event for colleagues.
Our Environmental Committee has been providing colleagues with 'green tips' on how they can become more sustainable and do their bit to fuel a positive impact on society and our environment.
Helping the next generation
Supporting young people is a key part of our CSR commitment; and, this year, we have delivered personal finance education sessions to over 500 young people, including supporting over 100 young people at the first ever StreetGames Birmingham Youth Summit!
Enhancing our role as a leading retail finance provider
Stephen Hunt, CEO, explained: “In 2023 we will celebrate our 50th year supporting many of the UKs leading retail brands. Each year we develop and grow our business, 2022 was no exception and we saw the launch of a fantastic new partnership with B&Q who are the market leader in the DIY sector. We also invested heavily in our business developing new solutions such as “Click and Collect” for Currys as well as new data and digital services enabling us to make smarter decisions.”
Driving innovation in the financial services sector
This year, we have been accelerating our mission to position ourselves at the forefront of innovation by partnering with the UK’s first supercluster for professional and financial services — SuperTech.
When asked about the partnership, Richard Newland, Chief Customer Officer, commented: “We’ve been collaborating with fintechs to solve business challenges including chatbots, data visualisation and underwriting to ensure we're achieving business and customer satisfaction. This pledge to utilise our expertise to drive innovation, collaboration and growth — not only within our own business but also for our partners, customers and wider community — will continue in 2023.”
Strengthening our commitment to diversity & inclusion
2022 also saw us build on our diversity and inclusion networks, as we developed our Early Careers Network, to help young people starting off in their careers to have a voice and access relevant and impactful learning and development opportunities.
When asked about why diversity and inclusion is key to our business, Chief People Office, Susan Farmer said: “Creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where people can be themselves is a really important part of our culture, and our newest network, supporting Menopause, complements our existing Diversity & Inclusion networks. These include Pride, Women in Business, Multicultural Empowerment, Wellbeing, Disability and Helping Hands. I’m really proud of the great work our people and networks do to make a positive impact.”
Being a trusted motor finance services provider
2022 marked one year of lending in the leisure market! BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK entered the leisure market with a new financing solution for campervans and motorhomes after the pandemic caused a ripple effect, with more people embracing staycation holidays over trips abroad.
Supporting Trussell Trust during the cost-of-living crisis
The rise in inflation and soaring energy bills added enormous pressure onto food banks. Astonishingly, the number of food parcels distributed by food bank charity, Trussell Trust, has increased by 25% since 2021.
Recognising this struggle, BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK has donated much-needed funds to help those in need get access to food this winter with over 500 meals donated.
Our UK CEO reached a 30-year milestone
Last, but certainly not least, our final moment of celebration is honouring our CEO, Stephen Hunt, for reaching his 30th anniversary at BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK in December!
Stephen has played an instrumental role in accelerating our vision of being a force for positive change and providing helpful, affordable finance options over the past 30 years. And as we approach 2023, the 50th anniversary of our UK business, there are a lot more highlights to come.
Click here to read more about our commitment to being a role model employer and business and discover more on how we’ve made a positive impact this year.