Driving Social Impact Through Grassroots Investments in Scotland
Anna Shiel, the chief investment officer at Better Society Capital, a prominent social impact-led investor in the UK, is gearing up to participate in panel discussions at the upcoming annual conference of the Scottish National Investment Bank. As she prepares to share her insights, it’s evident that her journey from the traditional investment banking sector to the realm of social impact has been transformative and enlightening.
Better Society Capital, based in London, is on a mission to address social issues and inequalities in the UK by not only investing its own capital but also empowering others to invest in projects that target pressing issues such as child poverty, homelessness, health conditions, childhood obesity, and fuel poverty. This initiative comes at a crucial time, amidst economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Established in 2012 as Big Society Capital and now rebranded, the organization has committed close to £1 billion towards a variety of investments, contributing to a market size of £10 billion. Anna Shiel emphasizes the importance of increasing the flow of capital into the social impact investment market, highlighting the significance of engaging with a wide range of organizations and investing in projects of varying scales.
**Empowering Investors to Drive Change**
Partner investors looking to engage in social impact investments face the challenge of navigating this evolving landscape. Good Finance, co-founded by Big Society Capital and Access, serves as a valuable resource for charities and social enterprises seeking to access the right tools and information to make informed investment decisions. The goal is to bridge the gap between organizations in need of investment and potential investors, fostering a collaborative and impactful approach to social investing.
Anna Shiel’s personal journey into social impact investing reflects a desire to make a positive contribution to society. Her role in shaping Better Society Capital’s strategy and driving key investments has significantly influenced the UK’s social impact investment market. Through her work, she has witnessed the transformative power of diverse investments across various sectors, underscoring the importance of creating a better society through collaborative efforts.
**Navigating the Landscape of Impact Investing**
Blended finance emerges as a key focus area for Better Society Capital, as it enables the pooling of different types of capital from various partners to drive impactful investments. This approach allows for a more holistic and inclusive investment strategy, bringing together diverse stakeholders with a shared mission. While barriers exist, such as navigating diverse organizational cultures and the time-consuming nature of financing, the organization remains committed to fostering partnerships and driving positive change.
The upcoming conference on impact investing promises to be a ‘Catalyst for Change,’ with a panel discussion featuring industry experts such as Nick Moon, Anna Shiel, and Emma Thorne. Through engaging sessions on scaling up businesses for international markets and leveraging housing as a driver of economic prosperity, the conference aims to inspire collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating a better society.
As Better Society Capital continues its journey of driving social impact through grassroots investments in Scotland, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to empower investors, foster collaboration, and create meaningful change in communities across the UK. By bringing together diverse actors and resources, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to social investing.
The commitment of organizations like Better Society Capital and the Scottish National Investment Bank underscores the growing importance of impact investing in addressing pressing social challenges. Through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships, these entities are not only driving financial returns but also making a lasting and positive impact on society.