The Ethical Property Company is an investment company that allows social enterprises, community groups, charities and campaign groups to get room to grow under Ethical Property’s roof. This small company proves that you can invest and spark social change at the same time with their unique approach to ethical investment. Ethical Property Company brings together people working in human rights, fair trade, environment, social justice and more.
Investors in Ethical Property Company can benefit from having a secure property-based investment, but also from investments that are helping to create long-term social change. According to their website, their overall goal is of "making the best use of property for society and the environment." Currently, they work from several locations in Bath, Brighton, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield. All of the centers are environmentally-friendly in terms of water and energy use and waste management.
Due to the fact that the groups share the same space, social change is explicitly collaborative—everyone can learn from each other. Ethical Property Company offers a variety of services aside from simply the rental of space. Groups can also rent meeting rooms, participate in events, get consulting on property management, and/or use their IT services.
Since being founded in 1998 by Andrew King and Jamie Hartzell, the Ethical Property Company continues to grow. The company has over 1,200 shareholders, but its success shouldn’t simply be gauged in terms of the numbers. "As one of the principal funders of charities that empower the poor of London, we know that too many of them are based in dingy and tatty offices. The Ethical Property Company gives these charities the chance to occupy the quality of premises they deserve, as well as taking care of their property needs, so they can concentrate on tackling poverty and its root causes," explains Bharat Mehta, Chief Executive for City Parochial Foundation. If tenants need even more support, both the Ethical Property Foundation and the Making Waives Fund, set up by the company itself, are available. The latter program asks shareholders to waive their dividends in order to further support tenants and develop ethical equity investments.
The Ethical Property Company is a small, grassroots social business, but its plans are to keep growing across Europe in order to become a stronger network tackling social change.
Contact Information:
Ethical Property Company Website
Oxford Property Management Team and Head Office
The Old Music Hall,
106-108 Cowley Road
Oxford OX4 1JE
Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 207810
Social Change Investments
The Ethical Property Company Provides Affordable Offices
Trend Themes
1. Social Investment Property - Investing in property to encourage social enterprises and community organisations whilst creating long-term social change.
2. Collaborative Workspaces - Sharing space and services to create an environment of collective learning and support amongst groups tackling social issues.
3. Ethical Equity Investments - Developing an investment model that generates funds for tenant support and encourages ethical business practices.
Industry Implications
1. Property Investment - Investment firms can apply the ethical property model to their portfolios to stimulate positive social change.
2. Social Enterprise - Social businesses can connect with Ethical Property Company to access much needed facilities and support.
3. Not-for-profit - A non-profit strategy similar to Ethical Property Company's business model can generate funding for charity and stimulate social change.