THE FAIR TRADE MOVEMENT WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR TRADE JUSTICE
We recognise that the fair trade movement is under threat, and together, we are fighting back.
News
BackTraidcraft
It is with great sadness that we share news about a fellow fair trade organisation, Gateshead-based Traidcraft, who have appointed Administrators today.
Shared Interest receives third Queen's Award
Shared Interest has been recognised for its track record in sustainable development by receiving a Queen’s Award for Enterprise at an official ceremony attended by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Tyne & Wear, Mrs Susan Winfield CVO, OBE on Thursday 10 March.
NatWest Award Recognition
Double Award Success in the NatWest WISE Awards. Shared Interest Managing Director Patricia Alexander has been named as one of the top 100 Women in Social Enterprise (WISE) in the UK, and has gone on to become an Award finalist in one of four categories.
Third Sector Awards Shortlist Announced
We are delighted to announce that both Shared Interest Society, and our charity Shared Interest Foundation have been recognised at the Third Sector Awards.
Volunteers' Week
Volunteers’ Week provides the opportunity for us to join the nation in recognising the fantastic contribution people make to our communities by offering their time and commitment.
HELP US BUILD BACK, THIS WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY
Saturday 8th May is World Fair Trade Day, and the World Fair Trade Organization is promoting the message to ‘build back fairer’, following the disruption caused by Covid-19. For Newcastle organisation, Shared Interest, it also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the vital role farmers and workers play in providing the food we eat.
Ghana's Costly Wait for Trade Deal
As the UK finally approved its trade agreement with the European Union (EU) on 30th December, it transpired that trade deals between the UK and some countries had not been finalised in time for Britain exiting the EU the following day. Ghana is one of the countries still hoping to finalise a free trade agreement, and is operating under interim terms as negotiations take place.
MD Commended for Exceptional Leadership
Shared Interest Managing Director, Patricia Alexander, has been recognised for exceptional leadership for her response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 Statement
As the impact of COVID-19 continues to develop across the world, we are met with new challenges that test our resilience as a business. Our thoughts go out to those suffering and we thank those on the front line who are supporting us all during the crisis.
FIRST BENEFICIARY OF LIVELIHOOD SECURITY FUND
Bukonzo Organic Farmers Co-operative Union (BOCU) is the first beneficiary of our Livelihood Security Fund. The Ugandan Fairtrade coffee co-operative has told us that this support will reach 1,200 people.
Fairtrade farmers call on Nestle to continue their commitment
After a decade of sourcing cocoa and sugar from smallholder farmers in Côte d’Ivoire, Fiji and Malawi, Nestlé has announced that, from October, its KitKat bars in the UK and Ireland will no longer be certified Fairtrade
Raising Funds to Support Communities during and beyond Covid-19
Shared Interest Foundation is relaunching its Livelihood Security Fund for developing world producers in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our charity is now appealing for donations to help farmers and workers in African and Latin American communities.
We are a Natwest Impact Champion
The NatWest SE100 celebrates the growth, impact and resilience of social ventures in the UK – by naming the most impressive 100 social enterprises of the year in a top 100 Index, and giving eight SE100 Social Business Awards for the most outstanding achievers.
SHARED INTEREST CELEBRATES ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
We are delighted to share the news that Shared Interest has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development.
AGM 2020
Our 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, on the banks of the River Tyne in Gateshead.
AGM 2019
Our 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at the Northern Design Centre on the banks of the River Tyne in Gateshead.
TRIBUTE TO MARK HAYES, FOUNDER AND RETIRED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SHARED INTEREST SOCIETY
As we enter our 30th year, it is with heartfelt sadness we share news that our founder Mark Hayes passed away on the 15th December after a long illness. I am sure you will join me in sending sincere condolences to his family.
NORTH EAST TIMES IMPACT AWARDS
We were delighted to hear that our Managing Director, Patricia Alexander was named the winner in the Global Impact category at the North East Times Impact Awards.
YOU CAN NOW INVEST IN US DOLLARS AND EUROS
We are pleased to inform you that the Rule changes, approved by members at the March AGM, have been registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are now incorporated into our Terms and Conditions.
REACHING PRODUCERS THROUGH BUYER FINANCE
Despite the progress made in increasing the availability of financial services, the majority of people living in developing countries struggle to access finance. Read more about the buyers we are working with across the globe here.
Award Success 2018
In October this year, Shared Interest Managing Director, Patricia Alexander was named as one of the top 100 Women in Social Enterprise at the prestigious awards held in London.
It's good to share
Our Managing Director, Patricia Alexander talks to North East Times about how Shared Interest is using investors’ money to transform the lives of some of the World’s most disadvantaged communities.
GREGGS STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR FARMERS THIS FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT
THIS FAIRTADE FORTNIGHT, the UK’s leading bakery food-on-the-go retailer Greggs is helping farmers in the developing world to earn a better living. With more than 1,850 shops across the UK, Greggs has opened an ethical investment account with Shared Interest.
Spreading the word
Thank you to our supporters who get in touch inviting us to speak about Shared Interest to their local groups and networks. These opportunities help us spread the word about the work that we do to new audeinces who we would otherwise be unable to reach.
Passionate, Engaged and Informed
Over 300 supporters joined us at our events in Cardiff, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool and London. Investors, volunteers, and those entirely new to Shared Interest, heard from a different key speaker at each city.
Award Success 2016
We are delighted to announce that both Shared Interest Society and our charity Shared Interest Foundation have been recognised for a series of prestigious awards.
Great runners raise funds for Shared Interest Foundation
On Sunday 11 September, five runners joined 57,000 others to line the streets of Newcastle to take part in this year's Great North Run, in aid of our sister charity, Shared Interest Foundation.
2015 A Record Year
In 2015 Shared Interest saw it's 25th anniversary, we celebrated the occassion with a commemorative flag which travelled the globe, a fantastic AGM on the banks of the Tyne, as well as surpassing our targets of investment and lending.
Our Shared Interest
We have launched a new and improved online portal called Our Shared Interest, which will be more interactive. You will be able to change details such as your address, and eventually make transactions online – both adding to and withdrawing from your Share Account.
Good Practice Award for Finance Activities
Shared Interest's investment offer has been awarded the Community Shares Standard Mark - a new voluntary scheme awarded to share offers that meet good practice standards.