Seven out of ten UK adults with investments say they would be more likely to choose an investment in a fund or organisation if they knew it was having a positive social or environmental impact, according to research from Big Society Capital.

Investors, on average, would like about a third (35 per cent) of their portfolio invested in funds or organisations making a positive environmental impact and around the same amount (34 per cent) allocated to social impact.

The survey was conducted in January among 2000 UK adults who have at least one investment outside their pension, and the findings suggest that there is significant interest in impact investing, but competitive returns are the most influential factor when deciding on an impact investment, with 46 per cent citing returns as a key consideration. Tax relief from the Government would be the second highest consideration for those considering impact investing. A better understanding of impact investing was also flagged as an influencing factor in impact investment decisions, along with greater transparency.

Stephen Muers, CEO of Big Society Capital, said: “Social and environmental factors were not too long ago an afterthought to most people in regard to money, but this research shows people have now priced this into their financial decision-making process. There are more social impact investment opportunities coming to market, which is great news for investors wanting to make a difference, along with a return.”

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