18 October 2012 : What do ethical investors want?

This was part of National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW) which is an annual event to promote green and ethical investments to a wider public, including businesses and charities. Time: 18th October 2012 2pm-5pm Location: Gaeia's central Manchester office Programme: PDF A free afternoon event aimed at both seasoned ethical investors and those who want to know more. Presentations by leading ethical fund managers, a Question and Answer session and the latest research into what issues matter most to ethical investors, took place at Gaeia’s offices in Manchester City Centre from 2pm – 5pm. The event included presentations by leading ethical fund managers, a Question and Answer session and the latest research into what issues matter most to ethical investors. Amongst the speakers, Seb Beloe, Head of Sustainability Research at WHEB Asset Management and authoritative commentator on sustainable investment and corporate social responsibility, provided an insight into the ethical fund screening and dialogue with companies behind the scenes. Peter Michaelis, Head of the Aviva Sustainable Futures Team gave an update on the team’s move to the long established Alliance Trust. Simon Holman, Investment Manager at Castlefield, discussed the B.E.S.T. methodology developed to select investments for the ConBrio B.E.S.T. Income Fund, one of the few ethical income funds on the market. Brigid Benson, founder of Gaeia and one of the UK’s top IFAs said: “Since the global financial crisis, investment in ethically screened funds and interest in responsible banking has reached record levels and is no longer on the margins. “Understanding the screening process and the decision making behind the choice of companies selected is fundamental to good financial management. The question and answer session should produce some lively debate. “I’ve spent the last twenty years spreading the word about green and ethical investments and it’s gratifying to see investors and financial institutions are factoring social and environmental impacts in to their decisions.”