The Units of Trust concept

As populations grow, and less and less oil is being found, the fossil fuel-dependent global supply chains and the banking system that supports them are becoming less functional. Relocalizing production and sales of daily needs reduces fuel dependence, waste, and increases local employment and community resilience. However, today’s financial system is more geared to large Read more about The Units of Trust concept[…]

The Units of Trust scheme investing in local, sustainable enterprises

Units of trust are simple investment devices based on preferential debentures. Put simply, you invest money in a company you purchase from regularly. You do not get back money primarily from the company, but you get what money can buy – goods, services, or use of physical assets. When you wish, you can get the original investment back.

Of course, any company can issue an investment instrument like this, but we believe a local scheme has several advantages.

1) Education: the effort needed to explain to the public and to entrepreneurs is shared amongst those companies participating

2) Recognition. Local consumers will recognise the scheme and a shared scheme carries more credibility

3) Comparison. If units are valued similarly across the board, investors will be able to compare and contrast offerings from local companies. […]

UNITS OF TRUST

Whitepapercover_UOTAs populations grow, and less and less oil is being found, the fossil fuel-dependent global supply chains and the banking system that supports them are becoming less functional. Relocalizing production and sales of daily needs reduces fuel dependence, waste, and increases local employment and community resilience. However, today’s financial system is more geared to large national and global corporations. […]

Sustainable investing – the video

ASSET-BASED FINANCING: supporting sustainable local development. This video shows the possibility of using asset based finance to provide capital for consumers to invest in local, sustainable businesses to drive sustainable development. Read also the white paper “Units of Trust”.WHITEPAPER_Local-economyV1D