Chris Canham to Retire as Hoot Credit Union Merges with Manchester Credit Union

03/09/2026

After 13 years at Bolton-based Hoot Savings & Loans, including two years as Chief Executive Officer, Chris Canham is to retire following the successful merger of the credit union with Manchester Credit Union.

Chris has played a central role in securing Hoot’s future and ensuring its 6,500 members across Bolton and Bury continue to have access to affordable and ethical financial services.

Alongside her work at Hoot, Chris has also contributed to the wider credit union movement through her work with All Together Money, formerly known as ABCUL, helping to champion the role of credit unions and the difference they can make to members and communities.

The merger strengthens Manchester Credit Union’s existing presence in Bury, extends it into Bolton and increases membership to 36,500. It also sees the combined loan book grow to £18.6m and savings portfolio to £19.3m.

Hoot’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris Canham, was instrumental in the merger, which marks the next chapter for Hoot and coincides with her decision to retire after 13 years with the organisation.

Chris Canham said: “This merger builds on everything we’ve achieved in Bolton and Bury and puts our members on an even greater footing. They’re becoming part of a credit union with more critical mass and lending power, which means improved access to ethical and affordable lending, as well as financial support and education for those that need it most.

“This is the right next step for members, and now the deal is done, it’s time for me to retire. Manchester Credit Union’s values have always aligned with our own, so it made this merger an easy decision. I’m proud of what we achieved as Hoot, and know our members are in the best hands with Manchester Credit Union.”

Mandy Wilcock, CEO of Manchester Credit Union, said: “Bringing Hoot into Manchester Credit Union is great news for members of both organisations. A stronger combined asset base means we can extend our reach into more communities where access to fair and affordable financial services genuinely makes a difference.

“This deal wouldn’t have happened without Chris. Her willingness to put members first and work collaboratively to secure their future is a testament to everything a credit union CEO should be. We thank her greatly and wish her a very well-earned and happy retirement.”

Hoot’s Bolton branch on Victoria Square will remain open under the Manchester Credit Union brand, and Hoot staff will join the Manchester Credit Union team. Hoot members will automatically transfer to Manchester Credit Union and can continue to access their accounts as normal.

The merger marks a significant milestone for Hoot and provides a strong platform for its members, staff and communities to benefit from Manchester Credit Union’s greater scale, while bringing Chris’s 13-year chapter at Hoot to a close.