Join us in Bath to discuss the social, economic and environmental case for regional banks and the development of Avon Mutual, a co-operative bank dedicated to the West of England
Establishing regional banks was one of the key recommendations of the RSA’s recent Inclusive Growth Commission, which was designed to find practical ways to make local economies across the UK more economically inclusive and prosperous.
We are now supporting Avon Mutual (which covers Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath & North Somerset) as part of a wider movement led by the Community Savings Bank Association to develop a UK-wide network of customer-owned, regional banks. By pursuing a different business model these banks will bring a range of social and economic benefits to the region, including:
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Tackling financial exclusion through providing universal access to banking facilities for all citizens
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Increasing productivity by investing in SMEs, with well informed decisions made by local branch managers
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Creating new local jobs with Head Offices based in the region rather than in London
Avon Mutual will be an ethical and sustainable alternative to the big banks and will support small local enterprises focussed on issues such as building zero carbon homes and developing sustainable food and farming for the bioregion. This will fill a gap in the UK investment landscape which is well served by community banks across Europe.
This event is being held in partnership with St John's Foundation and will bring together key stakeholders in Bath who are interested in the development of a mission-led bank that will drive inclusive growth in the region.
Location: The Bubble, St John's Foundation, Bath
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Hi Roger, thanks for your comment. Agree this is a very important issue and we need to be more proactive in ensuring speakers are more representative for this project. Unfortunately one of our speakers for this event (Louise Harvey) had to drop out at late notice. At that time we were still looking to add a further female speaker but many of the women we invited were unable to join us. We were however pleased to be able to add Marcelle Speller to the line up at short notice. We will be working with Avon Mutual and the other banks we are supporting across the UK to do more to improve representation and diversity going forwards.
Local Independant Regional Bank, sounds just what is needed, but do you seriously expect in today’s climate, to attract people to hear 3 male speakers? I know it has put me off. Real misjudgement.