London trade union unveils new HQ following a finance package from Unity Trust Bank

Published: February 12, 2020

Unity Trust Bank has provided a £4million finance package to The FDA trade union, which represents senior managers and public service professionals across the UK, to purchase new office space.

The loan has allowed the FDA to purchase the 5,557 sq. ft. office on Borough High Street, London, to create a more supportive and inspiring working environment for staff. The move was a strategic decision to allow for future expansion having outgrown its previous premises on York Road.

Unity Trust Bank – the commercial bank with a social conscience – has supported the FDA since 1986. The bank’s dedicated relationship manager, Richard Rose, has worked closely with the team at the FDA to finance the purchase and refurbishment of its new headquarters.

Richard joined other key partners in the project, Craig Downie (Studio Downie Architects LLP), Tom Maher (Cirpro) and Stephen Dollman and Leigh Duly (Dollman Ralston) to celebrate the recent launch of FDA’s new head office, which was formally opened by TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady.

Speaking at the open evening, Richard said: “The FDA plays a key role in supporting the country’s public servants, so we felt this financial assistance was important to ensure the union is able to work in a productive environment.

“At Unity Trust Bank, we are committed to ensuring businesses and organisations, such as the FDA, which provides invaluable support to its members and drives social change, have access to resources for projects that will improve the quality of life within their workforce as well as in their local communities.”

Founded in 1919, for more than 100 years the FDA has stood as the only trade union dedicated to representing the interests of managers and professionals in public service across the UK. The union currently has more than 18,000 members and acts as an advocate to its members by striving to improve terms, conditions and working lives.

Lynne Gravatt, Head of Resources at the FDA, said: “As we approached our Centenary year, FDA made the decision to find our own offices from which to base our services to members. Such a project requires a good team behind you and Unity Trust Bank were key players.

“Through their understanding of the Union movement, they understood our financial position and were able to support our financing applications, guiding us through the pitfalls of the path to owning our own building.

“With Unity’s help, we now have a wonderful new home, Centenary House, which houses not only our staff but also a professional conferencing facility providing a key resource for our members and beyond.”

Originally established in 1984 to support trade unions and their members, Unity Trust Bank was born out of a vision to enrich society as a whole. It has since become fully independent, and is now the bank of choice for many charities, unions, enterprises and business that are making a positive impact across the UK.