the directory
financial

 

We all have financial constraints in our lives, unless we're very lucky, I appreciate that and I wouldn't be able to fund this site without a job and some financial acumen, but boy do I find it boring.

That is probably why this is the last section to have anything at all done to it. But I'm here now, so here we go... I suppose I should say, if you haven't gathered from the above that I have absolutely no financial training of any sort, any comments I do make, are made purely as a consumer or customer....
The Association of British Credit Unions

Credit unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They offer savings and great value loans plus they are local, ethical and know what their members want.

Each credit union has a "common bond" which determines who can join it. The common bond may be for people living or working in the same area, people working for the same employer or people who belong to the same association, such as a church or trade union.
 
The Co-operative Bank

My bank of choice, I guess for convenience sake, of the banks with an ethical policy, the Co-operative seem to be the most user friendly. They have all the features you would get from your standard high street bank, you can use the Link network of cash machines, on-line banking, all the usual stuff. But the important thing is they have an ethical policy that states they will not invest in "any government or business which fails to uphold basic human rights within its sphere of influence." or "any business whose links to an oppressive regime are a continuing cause for concern."
 
Co-operative Insurance Society

The CIS provide the usual range of insurance products and operate from within an ethical policy similar to that of the Co-operative bank above. You might think that this would put them at a disadvantage, but in my experience they are competitive with other on-line and direct selling insurance companies.

See also Co-op food-stores, CIS, Travel Agents and Funeral Homes.
 
Ecology Building Society
The Ecology Building Society new low energy HQ
'The Ecology is a mutual building society dedicated to improving the environment by promoting sustainable housing and sustainable communities. Savings placed with the Ecology fund mortgage lending on:

energy efficient housing, ecological renovation, derelict and dilapidated, properties, small-scale and ecological enterprise and low-impact lifestyles.'
 
Ethical Investment Research Service

EIRIS is new to me and I don't know much about them, I've listed them in case they are of interest. I'll try to find out some more and report back.

On their website they say, 'EIRIS is a leading European provider of independent research into the social, environmental and ethical performance of companies. EIRIS, a UK based organisation, and its eight international research partners together have a wealth of experience in the field of ethical investment research. EIRIS is the market leader in the UK with over 75% of UK ethical funds managed by our clients.'
 
New Economics Foundation

"nef is an independent think-and-do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being."

"We aim to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues. We work in partnership and put people and the planet first."
 
Triodos Bank


The Triodos Bank in the UK is part of a Dutch company, they do have a current account, but are known for their savings accounts linked to particular charities or causes. For example there is a Fairtrade saver account benefiting the Fairtrade Foundation, other accounts are linked to the Soil Association and Friends of the Earth.

I think their ethical policy is more tightly focused than the Co-op, instead of not lending to a range of businesses as the Co-op state, the Triodos Bank only lends to organizations they see as making a positive contribution to society.

It says in their mission statement, 'Triodos Bank finances companies, institutions and projects that add social, environmental and cultural value, with the support of depositors and investors who want to encourage the development of responsible and innovative business.'