Welsh Investment Fund Questionaire

Welsh Investment Fund

People are increasingly questioning whether traditional patterns of saving and investing money by Welsh men and women are really offering the maximum benefit both to individuals and to the Welsh economy as a whole. It is generally accepted that the profits of the larger savings companies are mainly distributed beyond the Welsh borders, but are Welsh people willing to change their saving and investment habits? Would they be interested in supporting a fund that would exist for the purpose of supporting the Welsh economy?

Menter a Busnes, along with two other leading companies who are involved with various elements of economic development in Wales are currently conducting a survey to assess the feasibility of establishing a Welsh Investment Fund. Research work has already been commissioned on the investment habits of Welsh investors, and on the availability and uptake of funding to support Welsh businesses.

The exact nature of the fund will depend on final research findings but it is assumed that it will be some form of public entity with shareholders and a Board of Directors.

It is envisaged that the fund would invest in the following way:

1) 50–70% in quoted companies and Government / AAA rated Corporate Bonds

2) 10–30% in properties reserved for business operations that would be of benefit to the Welsh economy

3) 5 20% in indigenous Welsh companies

One additional element, which would distinguish this fund from other investment funds, is that it would include processes of proactively identifying promising new businesses throughout Wales, thus offering opportunities for investors that would not otherwise be available.

To summarise, the fund would not only offer exciting investment opportunities for investors but would also generate income that would be invested for the benefit of the Welsh economy.