The Place-Based Impact Investing (PBII) Network continues to gain traction with Pensions for Purpose joining as a partner alongside The Good Economy, the Institute for Economic Development and the Impact Investing Institute.

Pensions for Purpose is dedicated to inspiring companies and investors to embed people and planet in how they think, operate and invest. They achieve this by sharing best practice, showcasing case studies and delivering innovative solutions via their online platform that includes a Knowledge Centre, training and events, Impact Lens research and a collaborative member Community of 400 members and over 1,200 individuals.

Richard Giles, Senior Director and Community Lead at Pensions for Purpose said: “We are delighted to partner with The Good Economy on their PBII Network. Pensions for Purpose have worked closely with TGE for many years. Now is a significant juncture for PBII by pension funds. There is momentum from the many local government pension schemes investing in place, while other types of schemes, including DC master trusts, are considering PBII and being encouraged by the Government to invest in productive UK assets. This is a genuine opportunity to further investment in solutions that have real-world impact, as well as provide healthy returns for pension investors.”

The PBII Network is a pioneering collaboration between local authorities and institutional investors, and builds on the findings and conceptual model of PBII presented in the landmark 2021 White Paper Scaling Up Institutional Investment for Place-Based Impact. The UK’s investment challenges have become a cause for concern across the economy, public services and the environment. To meet these challenges, institutional capital must become a positive driver of change. This means paving the way for private capital to step up, work with local stakeholders and deliver place-based social and environmental impact everywhere in the country. Driven by the success of the PBII Innovation Labs, our ambition for the PBII Network is to make this scenario a reality.

Sam Monger, Head of Strategic Advisory and PBII at TGE said: “With a new Labour government in place, there is renewed energy to harness institutional capital for place-based impact. Our work with investors, local and combined authorities and asset owners has shown that while there is willingness between the parties to work together to address the inequalities in UK economic development, there is unfortunately not a shared understanding of how to practically do the work together. The network provides the opportunity to bridge that gap.”

The PBII Network is a trusted environment where local authorities and specialist investment managers can meet for knowledge sharing, mutual learning and the development of innovative financing solutions to scale-up institutional investment as a force for good in helping places across the UK achieve local economic resilience, prosperity and sustainable development.

For more information on the PBII Network, please get in touch.