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Another approach is to invest directly in charitable businesses with social or charitable objectives. A number of these have emerged in recent years. They include Traidcraft and The Ethical Property Company.
As an example, in September 2002, The Ethical Property Company launched the largest ever UK public share issue by a social enterprise. The company raised over £4 million to set up centres for charities, campaign groups and social businesses.
The share issue demonstrated the company's continuing success in delivering social, environmental and financial returns. The company now owns and manages 10 resource centres in Brighton, Bristol, London, Leeds, Sheffield and Oxford and has over 100 tenants including the Big Issue South West, OXFAM South West, Womankind Worldwide and the Green Party. Tenants benefit from fair rents and services tailored to their needs. All properties are developed and managed according to strong social and environmental policies.
The company has paid its investors dividends of 3% after basic-rate tax for the last three years. It was a unique opportunity to invest in a property company while at the same time supporting groups working for social change.
Another example of an ethical business is Traidcraft, the UK's leading fair trade organisation, which is engaged in innovative and effective trade. The company aims to help the poor to trade more effectively by breaking down the barriers that prevent them gaining access to markets. Traidcraft, which reported annual sales of £15.5 million in 2005, works with in-country partners in over 30 countries to develop producers' business skills and capacity and to create the environment needed to help them engage in sustainable trade.
© Copyright 2007 Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF)
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in A Guide to Giving is current at the time of publication (October 2005), but the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) cannot guarantee its accuracy. Furthermore, there may have been subsequent changes to legislation, policy and/or to tax bands and rates. If you are considering any investment you should seek appropriate professional advice. This guide is not intended to replace professional advice on particular investments or the manner in which tax relief is applied under any scheme, and you should not rely on it for such purposes. You are responsible for your own tax and financial affairs and so should seek independent advice. ACF can not accept responsibility for the investment choices you make.
Views expressed in A Guide to Giving are not necessarily those of Philanthropy UK or the Association of Charitable Foundations.
Coutts & Co is not responsible for the content of A Guide to Giving, and the content does not constitute any advice whatsoever from Coutts & Co. The case studies and profiles within the Guide are not necessarily clients of Coutts & Co. Coutts & Co shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever arising from your reliance on any information produced in the Guide.
