West is best for ethical investment

SPONSORED FEATURE

West is best for positive investing with both Bristol and Bath named in the top three ‘hotspots’ for social and ethical projects. The Make Money Do Good report found that Bristol residents have invested £5.6million since 2012 in local community projects and businesses. 

The report was launched by Ethex, the first online exchange for positive investments, to coincide with Good Money Week. It revealed that local community-owned renewable energy schemes have played a major role in making Bristol one of the top hotspots, including £2.2m raised for the Low Carbon Gordano solar array at Moorhouse Farm, north-west Bristol.  Bristol Energy Co-operative and Bristol Power have installed solar panels on homes and community buildings across Bristol.

There are also many social investment schemes to benefit the community, too. Bristol Together raised £1.6m to help create full-time jobs for local ex-offenders by bringing empty properties back into use. Bristol Community Ferry Boats kept the ferries running along the harbourside to the railway station through a successful community share offer.

Jamie Hartzell, founder and managing director of Ethex, said: “Bristol is at the forefront of a movement where people are investing their money to create environmental and social change in their community.  A growing number of people are taking control of their money and making it do good, choosing to save and invest directly in businesses that deliver not only a financial return but also demonstrable benefit to society.

“Positive investing is emerging as a broad and unstoppable movement, a popular response to the financial crisis.  People today want a more direct and immediate relationship with financial institutions that can be trusted, and that are transparent and accountable.” 

How to become an ethical investor

Reasons to Invest Ethically

• Personal values – you can invest in projects that reflect your values and your priorities.;
• Returns – you can make a positive as well as a financial return;
• Connectedness – it gives you the connection between your money and the impact it has;
• Pleasure – it is really rewarding to see your money making a difference.

Three Steps To Take To Become an Ethical Investor

• Reflect on your values – what are your passions and concerns and where do you want to see your money making a difference;
• Consider your approach to risk – are you a safe investor, do you want to take risks, how long term is your investment plan;
• Where do you want your money to have impact – look at the share offers and investment options for positive investment on www.ethex.co.uk.

FInd out more – read the Make Money Do Good report + see the map of hotspots: www.ethex.org.uk/positiveinvesting