A study by positive savings and investment platform Ethex suggests that more than half of people in the UK are keen for their wealth to have a positive impact on society. The Understanding the Positive Investor survey found that 58 per cent of the 3,975 participants favoured projects and investments that have an impact in their local area.

Those quizzed were particularly keen to invest in health and social care (31 per cent), and in support for older people (26 per cent). Participants under the age of 40 were most interested in positive investment.

Consumers are increasingly looking to buy and use products that align with their personal values

The report also highlighted an ‘urgent need’ for the finance industry to provide better education about positive investment. Half of those asked said they did not know enough about positive investment, though 45 per cent were willing to learn more.

“Consumers are increasingly looking to buy and use products that align with their personal values,” said Lisa Ashford, director and CEO of Ethex.

“Savings and investment are no different. Our research represents a real opportunity for social enterprise projects to secure vital finance from retail investors. By offering simpler and more accessible products, positive investment could be opened up to enable more people to tackle the local issues that matter to them the most.

“This will help change positive investment from a minority pursuit to a mainstream one, and deliver on the benefits that investing in this way can bring to society.”

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