Join us in Swindon to discuss the social, economic and environmental case for regional banks and the development of Avon Mutual, a co-operative bank dedicated to the West of England.

Establishing regional banks was one of the key recommendations of the RSA’s recent Inclusive Growth Commission, which was designed to find practical ways to make local economies across the UK more economically inclusive and prosperous.

We are now supporting Avon Mutual (which covers Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath & North Somerset) as part of a wider movement led by the Community Savings Bank Association to develop a UK-wide network of customer-owned, regional banks. By pursuing a different business model these banks will bring a range of social and economic benefits to the region, including:

• Tackling financial exclusion through providing universal access to banking facilities for all citizens

• Increasing productivity by investing in SMEs, with well informed decisions made by local branch managers

• Creating new local jobs with Head Offices based in the region rather than in London

Avon Mutual will be an ethical and sustainable alternative to the big banks and will support small local enterprises focussed on issues such as building zero carbon homes and developing sustainable food and farming for the bioregion. This will fill a hole in the UK investment landscape which is well served by community banks across Europe.

This event is being held in partnership with Business West and will bring together key stakeholders in Wiltshire who are interested in the development of a mission-led bank that will drive inclusive growth in the region.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, please let the team know: engagement@rsa.org.uk. Please also let us know if you have any dietary requirements or severe allergies.

On signing up for this event you will automatically be added to the mailing list for Avon Mutual. If you do not wish to receive future emails from this network, please let us know.

By registering for this event you agree to the sharing of your name, organisation & title and email address with the Fellow(s) and/or partner organisation(s) hosting this event. Attendees also agree to the sharing of your name, organisation and email address with other delegates at the event so that they might contact you through MyRSA or by email. If you do not wish this information to be shared, please let us know by emailing: engagement@rsa.org.uk.