Melissa D.

Shared Interest was set up in 1990 and brings together a community of over 12,000 people in the UK with a shared goal of investing in a fairer world. We work hand in hand with people in communities where income opportunities may be limited and businesses are facing increasing challenges. We act co-operatively, providing finance to fair trade businesses in up to 45 countries. The majority of these organisations support smallholder farmers who produce around a third of the world’s food but often struggle to feed their families. We use the investments of our members to make loans to organisations of farmers and craftspeople as well as some fair trade buyers. The loans typically fund seeds, plants, materials, crops, equipment or finished goods. Once the crops or crafts are sold, the organisation repays Shared Interest the capital plus a fair rate of interest. The funds can then be recycled and lent out again. Against this complex socioeconomic backdrop, Shared Interest has worked hand in hand with farmers, artisans and communities to strengthen enterprises, increase employment opportunities and champion fair trade by providing fair and just financial services and business support., as we have done since our inception in 1990. We continue to work where other lenders are less keen to operate. The majority of the organisations we support work with smallholder farmers who produce around a third of the world’s food but often struggle to feed their families. It is with the support of our members that we are able to place love, equity and justice at the centre of trade finance and invest in a fairer world where justice, not profit, is the bottom line.