In a world where global inequality continues to grow and traditional banks turn away those most in need, Shared Interest Society offers an alternative. Founded in Newcastle 35 years ago and powered by over 11,800 UK investors, this not-for-profit community benefit society supports fair trade farmers and artisans across 47 countries — not with charity, but with ethical finance. As Managing Director Patricia Alexander prepares to step down after 19 years at the helm, we asked: can ethical finance truly change lives?
Here, Patricia reflects on her journey, the evolution of Shared Interest, and the vital role of values-based investment in today’s world.
You’ve led Shared Interest for nearly two decades. What first drew you to the organisation?
I trained as an accountant and spent much of my early career in the private sector. Over time, I became disillusioned with the focus on profit above all else — especially after witnessing a number of redundancies. Around that time, I’d completed an MBA at Durham and was looking for something more values-driven. When I came across the opportunity at Shared Interest, I had no background in lending, but I saw an organisation that aligned more with my personal beliefs and values. I was successful and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.
For those unfamiliar with Shared Interest, how would you describe the organisation’s purpose?
Shared Interest is a community benefit society. We’re not a regulated financial institution, and we don’t operate for profit. Instead, we use investments from UK individuals to offer fair trade finance to organisations in some of the world’s most economically marginalised communities.
What makes us different is that we focus on trade, not aid. Our finance supports farmers, co-operatives and social enterprises to grow sustainable businesses and strengthen their communities. Last year, we supported organisations that together employed nearly 420,000 people — each of them helping to drive change where it’s most needed.
What sort of impact has Shared Interest had during your time as Managing Director?
When I joined in 2006, we had just £3 million customer facilities. Today, that figure stands at around £50 million. We’ve expanded globally, opening regional offices in Kenya and Costa Rica in 2006, followed by Peru in 2009 and Ghana in 2012. This gave us the ability to work directly with producers — building trust and tailoring our support to the challenges they face.
That shift also meant we began working almost exclusively with co-operatives, which are often deeply embedded in their communities. It’s through these relationships that we’ve seen truly life-changing impact.
Can you share a story that stayed with you over the years?
There are many, but one that stays with me is a group of Maasai women in Kenya. They approached Shared Interest for a small loan so they could bring electricity to their village — something the utility company had long bypassed, believing the community couldn’t afford it.
That loan changed everything. It meant children could study after dark, businesses could operate, and people could stay connected. One woman opened a hairdressing salon. But what struck me most was when they told me they had used the income from their new enterprises to send their daughters to school — and had even convinced their husbands not to marry them off at a young age. That’s the kind of change you don’t forget. It showed me that finance, when used ethically, can help protect futures and empower communities to flourish on their own terms.
What are the biggest challenges for Shared Interest today?
One of the starkest challenges is the withdrawal of foreign aid. In the US, for example, USAID has cut its international support by over 80%. Cuts like these hit the poorest communities hardest, yet they rarely make headlines. The World Bank has warned it could take a century to eradicate poverty at this rate. It’s in this context that organisations like Shared Interest become even more vital.
We also face wider global issues like climate change and gender inequality. Many of the sectors we support — such as coffee and cocoa — are vulnerable to environmental shifts and are still dominated by men. We’re actively working with partners to build climate resilience and improve gender balance across supply chains.
How does Shared Interest differ from a traditional financial institution?
It comes down to purpose. Our aim is not to maximise profit, but to maximise impact. We’re owned by our members, who invest from as little as £100. Their money is pooled to provide working capital to fair trade businesses that would otherwise struggle to access finance.
Traditional banks tend to view these businesses as too risky. We take a different view — we look at their social mission, their potential to grow, and the lives they support. It’s a financial model based on trust, solidarity, and long-term relationships.
You’ve worked closely with Fair Trade organisations across the world. How does Shared Interest fit into that movement?
We’re part of a wider ecosystem that includes the Fairtrade International and the World Fair Trade Organization. We also sit on forums with other ethical lenders, sharing insight and good practice.
We are members of Co-ops UK and we exist to serve co-operative values. However pure co-operatives are set up for the benefit of their membership and the people who invest in Shared Interest don’t do so for personal gain. Their return is measured in impact — in knowing their money is helping build fairer trade, sustainable livelihoods, and stronger communities.
What will you take with you as you step away from the role?
I’m leaving the organisation in very safe hands, and I know it will go from strength to strength. What I’ll carry with me is the belief that people shouldn’t be defined by where they’re born. Whether in the UK or overseas, everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
There’s such inequality in the world. Oxfam reported recently that 44% of the global population live in poverty, while just 1% hold nearly half of the world’s wealth. Shared Interest can’t fix everything — but we can be part of a better way forward. And I think our investors see that.
Finally, what would you say to someone considering investing in Shared Interest?
I’d say: if you want your money to reflect your values, this is a way to do it. You’re not giving a donation — you’re making a conscious choice to put your money to work in a meaningful way.
When I look back on the people we’ve supported, the lives changed, and the communities transformed — it’s not just about finance. It’s about giving hope for the future. Shared Interest offers people a chance to earn their own income and provide for their families which brings dignity and pride, and I can’t think of anything more powerful than that.
Getting involved
You can invest in Shared Interest and their many producers across the world, for as little as £100. To learn more about the Newcastle based organisation Shared Interest and how to invest, please click here, and here to invest.
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