14 May 2009

This year's investor day took place at the The Victoria Gallery & Museum, Liverpool, on Thursday 14 May.

Speakers from United Utilities spoke about the company’s social and environmental programme, delivering essential services to the North West. The group has a detailed plan for managing its carbon footprint and also adapting to the effects of climate change, which could affect rainfall and hence water supply in its area. The group is at the forefront of developing more sustainable waste water treatment technology. Many of its flow stations now generate their own electricity from waste water and are approaching energy neutrality.

Members of the Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project gave an update of the inspiring work of a small Cheshire community trying to reduce its carbon emissions. The commitment and energy of a few dedicated people has brought the whole community together, in a spirit of positive cooperation. Work in the village school and in local businesses, together with home energy audits, has seen the village successfully reduce its carbon impacts.

Finally, a team from Habitat for Humanity Liverpool explored how co-operation at various levels can deliver real improvements in environmental and social welfare. Globally, there is a shortage of affordable housing and in Liverpool the charity has begun to address this through a building project in the Toxteth area of the city. Members of Rathbones’ Liverpool office, including several members of the Liverpool Rathbone Greenbank Investments team, have recently spent time volunteering on site, delivering accessible, quality housing in a needy area.

Clients were able to enjoy a guided tour of The Victoria Gallery & Museum, a feature of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture, in addition to sampling various locally sourced refreshments.

A full write up of the Investor Day will be made available, forming the content of our next newsletter.