Banking for social enterprises
At The Co-operative Bank, our values are strongly aligned to the social enterprise sector. We operate our business responsibly; being membership owned and democratically run means we are accountable to members and customers, not shareholders. We actively support projects that improve communities, and have a positive impact on the environment. We are still the only UK high street bank with a customer-led Ethical Policy, which gives our customers a say in who their money will, and will not, finance.
Our stance on ethics and social responsibility has helped us to grow our charity sector customer base. We have experience of meeting the needs of not-for-profit organisations of all sizes. Now, we offer the same full range of banking services to an increasing number of social enterprises.
We are working with a diverse range of social enterprises, from small locally based groups to the largest former NHS organisation that has chosen to exercise its right to provide professional healthcare in the local community.
Our social enterprise banking portfolio
Our specialist team provides innovative solutions nationwide that assist social enterprises to achieve their strategic objectives and grow. As a customer you can benefit from:
- a review of your current banking structure or an assessment of your banking requirements
- flexible banking solutions tailored to the needs of your organisation
- a portfolio of deposit accounts designed to help maximise returns on your surplus funds
- loans and other finance options to help meet your borrowing needs
- the knowledge and expertise of a specialist Relationship Manager, supported by a highly experienced support team
- the added value of our extensive network of contacts.
We also actively participate in helping to shape the future of the social enterprise sector through our membership of the Social Enterprise UK and the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition. We are also members of the SE UK banking forum, which meets to discuss banking provision for the sector. Visit the SE UK website to view their 2011 survey Fightback Britain - A report on the state of social enterprise survey 2011
For more information, contact your nearest Charity & Social Enterprise Team:
- London and South call 020 7977 2121 or email socialenterprise@cfs.coop
- North and Midlands call 0161 201 5308 or email socialenterprisenorth@cfs.coop
- Scotland call 0131 229 0151 or email socialenterprisescotland@cfs.coop
Find out about our call charges.
Please note: If your turnover is under £500k, please visit our Community Directplus.
