Latest results from a 2 year action learning programme show a strong growth of local people investing directly in enterprises for mutual benefit. From Findhorn in the North of Scotland to Hastings on the south coast local people are voting with their wallets by buying shares in local community enterprises.

Whether it is renewable energy, pubs shops, football teams, rural optic fibre networks or cycle coops people are attracted by investment opportunities which provide a direct impact on the quality of their lives.

At a seminar in London on July 15th an invited audience including representatives from HM Treasury, The Office for Civil Society and The Department for Communities and Local Government and the Financial Services Authority will receive the latest findings of the programme.

“People are prepared to invest more money than they can afford to donate” says Jim Brown, lead consultant for the programme. “We will be announcing the results of our research into who is buying community shares and why they are motivated to do so”

“Whether it is disenchantment with the incomprehensibility of conventional markets, a growing awareness of the social and environmental impacts of individual investment decisions, or enlightened self interest to save the last shop or pub in the neighbourhood, clearly there is a growing band of engaged citizens who are buying community shares. There is also evidence that engaged investors are engaged customers and prepared to put time into governance and management—stronger business models are emerging as a result” says Hugh Rolo Head of Assets and investment at The Development Trusts Association who in partnership with Cooperatives UK are managing the research programme.

Ed Mayo Secretary General of Cooperatives UK who will be giving the keynote speech at the seminar says “This is a very dynamic area as part of a wider growing interest in cooperative and mutual business models. It chimes completely with Coalition Government thinking around the Big Society”

The seminar will see the formal launch of two good practice guides: Community Shares: a practitioners guide to Governance and Offer documents and An Investors Guide to community shares

For further information about the Research Programme : Hugh Rolo Head of Assets and Investments, DTA h.rolo@dta.org.uk 07973653649
To book a place at the seminar :Sharon Maber
Tel: 020 7336 9411, Switchboard: 0845 458 8336 email: s.maber@dta.org.uk