Man who built Guernsey finance charity retires

Man who built Guernsey finance charity retires7 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleGuernsey Community SavingsJames Ellis (right) will be taking on the role of chair from Peter NevilleA charity has announced its new chair following the retirement of its founder. Peter Neville worked for more than five years to set up Guernsey Community Savings, which first opened its doors in September 2020 to support people who were not able to access mainstream banking, staff said. Former banker James Ellis is taking over the role. Neville said: "James brings exactly the right blend of financial services experience, charitable involvement and community understanding." The charity had helped about 200 people, who would otherwise have been excluded from the financial system access, to accounts and linked debit cards, and offered money‑management guidance to many more, staff said. More news stories for GuernseyListen to the latest news for GuernseyNeville said: "The initiatives now being discussed, together with the additional features offered by the new money‑transmission platform, reassure me that James's vision aligns perfectly with the aims we set in those early days. "I wish the board and GCS staff every success as they take the charity forward." Ellis said: "'The creation of Guernsey Community Savings in 2020 was only possible because of Peter's unique set of qualities that enabled him to create a talented team and the structure to tackle the issues facing the financially excluded in our island. "I was delighted when he asked me to continue with his work and further expand his vision, which I share, to provide help in the form of bank accounts, debit cards and financial education and to realise our ambition to provide grants and soft loans where needed." He added he was pleased Neville agreed to remain involved with the charity as life president. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this storyGrant money to buy affordable home land approvedHomeless to get more help to move on from shelter'Life-changing' bank charity celebrates five yearsRelated internet linksGuernsey Community SavingsBankingPersonal finance