Cirencester Friendly recorded continued growth during 2021 with premium income, membership and funds under management all increasing.

Its membership increased to over 44,400 members, while total society funds rose from £159.9m in 2020 to £165.4m in 2021, a 3% increase.

Meanwhile, premium income rose from £21.4m in 2021 to £21.7m.

Cirencester Friendly returned 51% of premium income back to members through claims, bonuses, interest, and other benefits.

In 2021, 93.6% of clams were paid, amounting to £8m in benefit payments. 2021 also saw the launch of YourHalo, a health and wellbeing service, adding to the range of Member Services and Benefits available, providing further reassurance and support.

Paul Hudson (pictured), chief executive at Cirencester Friendly, said: “I continue to be immensely proud of the achievements of everyone at the society given the extraordinary challenges of 2021.

“Despite the disruption of the pandemic and volatile investment markets, we have continued to deliver on our strategic roadmap, increased the membership and maintained our strong customer service focus, while delivering a surplus to sustain our robust financial position. This solid foundation gives me considerable confidence that the Society is well placed for further long-term success.”