Drogheda Credit Union is the latest business in Louth to gain accreditation to the Age Friendly Business Programme and to mark the occasion they are hosting an Age Friendly morning with Louth Age Friendly Ambassador Gavin Duffy, in their Laurence Street branch on Friday, March 1.
This accreditation is in recognition of the changes Drogheda Credit Union has undertaken to provide a quality Age Friendly service for its members. Staff training and Age Friendly ambassadors are some of the initiatives already rolled out.
The CEO of Drogheda Credit Union, Tom Kiely, said “At Drogheda Credit Union, we understand the importance of catering to the diverse needs of our community, especially the older generation.
“Being recognised as an Age Friendly business by Louth County Council in 2023 is a testament to our ongoing dedication to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We are thrilled to receive this accolade and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional service that meets the needs of every member of our community, regardless of age.”
As part of their Age Friendly services, Drogheda Credit Union have Age Friendly Advisors in each branch on the first Friday of each month from 9:30am -11:30am who offer one to one help and assistance to older customers with setting up any online services, setting up a nomination or day to day banking enquiries. There is a separate Age Friendly Teller in each branch to avoid queuing.
Gavin Duffy, Louth Age Friendly Ambassador will be attending the free event on Friday, 1st March from 10:30 -11: for a cuppa tea and a chat. Gavin has many years’ experience as one of Ireland’s most successful businessmen and entrepreneurs. He is also a great champion of the Age Friendly Programme in Co Louth supporting Age Friendly events and activities over the years.
“It is wonderful to see the Credit Union movement in Ireland embracing Age Friendliness, with Drogheda Credit Union out front in this area, as in so many other areas of excellence” Gavin said.
“I hope to see many other businesses in Drogheda and South Louth undertake the Age Friendly Businesses Recognition training, to demonstrate the welcome they have for the older consumer, who will be such a valuable source of revenue in the future”.
Louth Age Friendly Programme Manager Sinead McVerry said: “The Age Friendly Business Programme is a win-win situation for business and for older customers, research shows that the most effective way of retaining and increasing your older customers is by individual customer service. The social interaction involved is very important. If a person feels they are genuinely welcomed and valued as a customer, they will be loyal and give good recommendations to your business.”
Age Friendly Ireland Business Programme Manager, Orlaith Carmody, said ” Nationally, Age Friendly Business Recognition is a growing brand, supported by Chambers Ireland, Local Authorities and the Age Friendly Programme. This recognition allows customers to identify you as an Age Friendly Business, and publicises your business to older customers.”
It is hoped that other businesses across Louth will recognise the need for and the benefits of Age Friendly services and sign up for the next training session .
It is anticipated that a further training course for businesses in Louth will be arranged later in 2024 to provide training to any other local business that may be interested in gaining Age Friendly Accreditation.
If you are a business owner who would like to register for the training or would like some further information on the Age Friendly Business Programme please contact agefriendly@louthcoco.ie
