By Kerrey Baker, Managing Director, Shared Interest.
In the world of business, the pursuit of profit has long been seen as the primary, if not the sole, objective.
At Shared Interest, we take a different view; our primary objective is to empower people in remote and disadvantaged communities to engage in trade and sustain their livelihood. We put people at the centre of every decision we make. Shared Interest is deep rooted in Fair Trade Principles and reaching the smaller more marginalised groups who have no other access to financial support.
The majority of our lending is to producer groups, who face huge challenges and uncertainty, the impact of climate change and inequalities in the global economic system make it a very difficult landscape to operate in.
At the heart of our organisation is a community of members united by a shared goal of investing in a fairer world. Our members provide the capital to enable us to lend, and they do so with very little expectation of a financial return on investment. Any profit we make is reinvested through the lending cycle.
Profit with purpose isn’t about sacrificing financial gains for a good cause. It’s about recognising that long-term profitability is intrinsically linked to the well-being of our communities and our planet. It’s a holistic approach that views financial success as a consequence of creating value – for members, customers, employees, and society as a whole. Embracing this philosophy isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart way to build a resilient and successful business, and we have a 35 year heritage to back that up.
Companies with a strong sense of purpose often attract and retain top talent. Employees, particularly younger generations, are increasingly seeking work that aligns with their values. When a company’s mission goes beyond the bottom line, it fosters a more engaged and motivated workforce, leading to increased productivity and innovation.
It is thanks to the dedication of our teams, volunteers, members and donors that we are able to make trade justice a reality for many communities.
Because when finance is fair, everyone benefits. Invest in change at www.shared-interest.com