The boss of one of Cumbria’s best-known businesses has returned to the classroom in Carlisle.
Des Moore, chief executive of The Cumberland building society, had his personal finance prowess tested by youngsters at St Cuthbert’s primary school in Botcherby during a money workshop.
Des spent an afternoon with year 5 and 6 pupils as part of the Vault financial literacy course.
“Financial literacy is something that if you work in financial services you take for granted, but it’s a skill that not everybody has,” said Des.
“I think it’s important, if we are to play a role in society, that we help people understand the importance of money and how to manage it. Those skills are really important to start early.”
The session, with 44 children, was hosted with education tech provider EVERFI.
It is the third year that The Cumberland has worked with EVERFI to deliver Vault, which also features online learning.
In its first two years workshops were delivered to more than 1,500 students across 45 schools in The Cumberland’s operating area.
St Cuthbert’s pupils discussed budgeting, savings and payment cards, and could win The Cumberland’s money boxes.
Des was accompanied by Cumberland board chair Jackie Arnold, mortgage and protection advisor Sophie McMillan and customer adviser Diane Shirvinton.
The youngsters also quizzed the trio on their careers.
Diane said: “The Cumberland is very conscious about working in the community, developing our connections so that as children get older they will know The Cumberland as somewhere they can trust.
“They’ll know they can save with us, have a current account with us and hopefully have their mortgages with us as well.”
Jackie added: “I have no recollection of having any financial education as a child, which I think is sad.
“So many young people leave school without an appreciation of being able to manage money. Hopefully, we can support them to save those funds towards their principal aims and objectives in life.”
It has been announced this week that Des Moore is stepping down as chief executive next year.
