Partner Article

Investing Ethically

Investing money is often a difficult and confusing process, with individuals often struggling to decide where they will put their money. Despite this, research shows that increasing numbers of UK adults have begun to consider investing ethically with 43% of people in the North East, with investments, wanting to use them to make a positive contribution to the world.

As part of National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW), Newcastle based Shared Interest Society are encouraging individuals as well as businesses to consider their ethical investment options.

As the world’s only 100% fair trade lender, Shared Interest offers its investors much more than a financial return. Finance Director, Tim Morgan explains: “The investors we work with generally want to see their money achieve a social return. Many are interested in the core purpose of fair trade, and by investing in Shared Interest they are able to maintain their commitment to the fair trade movement.”

Shared Interest pools the funds invested by its UK based supporters and lends to fair trade businesses across the world. Last year they worked in 36 countries globally, lending a total of £40 million.

Pat Wallace, a Shared Interest investor for 5 years explains why she got involved with the organisation: “I wanted to use my money to help those in the developing world help themselves. I think it is important to encourage communities to work together. Investing with Shared Interest is a positive course of action towards a permanent solution to their problems.

“Shared Interest is helping producers, handicraft makers and farmers in even the most remote communities run sustainable businesses by enabling them to access the credit needed to take goods to market.

Penny Shepherd MBE, Chief Executive of UKSIF which runs National Ethical Investment Week, says: “People can make a real and positive contribution to society through their financial decisions, and there are a great many options out there. This research shows how important National Ethical Investment Week is as people need help to find and choose the investments that allow them to make money and make a difference.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .