Presentation by Matthew Brown, Manager of The Wales Council for Voluntary Actions, Communities Investment Fund, on the occasion of the EESC conference on "Social economy and social innovation as drivers of competitiveness, growth and social well-being - Perspecitves and priorities for the new Commission and the European Parliament" (Brussels, 1 October 2014)

1. Social Investment in
Wales
Matthew Brown
Communities Investment Manager
Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA)

2. Introduction –
• WCVA is the umbrella organisation for the third sector in
Wales.
• We represent, support and advocate for the third sector.
• Since 2006 WCVA has been active in the area of social
investment.

3. How we see Social Investment -
• The providing of repayable finance to third sector
organisations.
• Supports the creation or expansion of trading income
• Supports the creation of jobs and wealth creation in our
communities
• Creates additional added value through further social or
community benefits

4. What we have achieved –
• Invested around £5 million (€6.3m)
• Repayments of over £2m repaid (€2.55m)
• In last 2 years supported the creation over 60 jobs
• Invested where commercial lenders will not
• Supported the social economy to become more
entrepreneurial as public support continues to decline

5. Investment examples –
• Antur Stiniog – Championship downhill mountain biking.
Led to a rise in visitor spend from £0.20 per head to £17 (€
0.25 / € 21.7) in their locality.
• Community Wellbeing Coaches – Previous public sector
activity that was cut but re-established as a social
enterprise earning income and employing 17 people.
• Theatr Mwldan – Now a thriving rural community arts
centre that redeveloped to include the ability to stream live
performances from London.