NEIW: 14-20 October 2012

National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW) is an annual event to promote green and ethical investments to a wider public, including businesses and charities. As part of NEIW, Manchester-based ethical investment specialists Gaeia are sponsoring two events on 18 October:  an afternoon seminar ‘What do ethical investors want? Meeting the needs of a growing market’ and The Manchester Sermon, with author Ali Smith in conversation with journalist Edward Stourton at Manchester Cathedral as part of the Manchester Literature Festival. ‘What do ethical investors want? Meeting the needs of a growing market’ is 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, will take place at Gaeia’s offices in Manchester City Centre from 2pm – 5pm.   

The Manchester Sermon, reflecting on the modern sermon and ethical issues of the day, takes place at Manchester Cathedral at 7pm.  Whitbread novel award winner writer Ali Smith will be joined in conversation with broadcaster Edward Stourton to discuss the sermon as a literary form and its place in contemporary culture.  It will be accompanied by music from the Manchester Cathedral Choir. Tickets (£8/£6 concs) can be booked via 0843 208 0500 or www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk “Recent economic events only demonstrate the need for more ethical oversight of our money and investments” says Brigid Benson, founder of Gaeia, the ethical investment arm of the Castlefield Group. “People are concerned about how our society is governed, what banks do with our money, and if economic pain or growth is being shared fairly.  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.” “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.  These two events will help raise the profile of this strongly growing sector in an otherwise flat market. I’m particularly pleased we’re supporting an event at the Manchester Literary Festival and look forward to a stimulating evening.”

Notes to Editors: 1. Gaeia – global and ethical independent advice - was founded over 20 years ago by Brigid Benson. In 2011 they merged with Castlefield to form the ethical advisory arm of the group. 2. Castlefield is a financial services group with a unique ownership structure. Its shares are held by employees and a charitable foundation. 3. Brigid Benson was recently selected as one of the top 100 advisors in the UK by Citywire New Model Adviser