When demand for the Visionary Soap Company’s natural, organic and fair trade soap outgrew their small factory near Hastings in the UK, <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> was able to help. Finance enabled them to start importing from Township Trades, a South African social enterprise employing young people whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS, to meet the growing demand.
Stakeholder dialogue <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> maintains good relationships with all its stakeholders, including shareholders (holders of depository receipts), co-workers, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and government. <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> works closely together with organisations working for the environment, organic farming, renewable energy, arts and culture, education, human rights and development co-operation. <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> defines its stakeholders as all the people, groups and organisations with which it has a business or other relationship. The dialogue with all these stakeholders is an important source of inspiration and new ideas. <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> identifies three discrete groups of stakeholders in particular: CUSTOMERS, DEPOSITORY RECEIPT HOLDERS, CO-WORKERS AND SUPPLIERS Dialogue with this group of stakeholders mainly involves weighing up economic interests. Each stakeholder - whether saver, investor, borrower, supplier or co-worker - has something to gain or lose in their relationship with the <strong>Bank</strong>. The balance between long and short-term interests, and self and public interest, forms the basis for dialogue with these stakeholders. NGOS AND GOVERNMENT Discussions with this group focus predominantly on the social, environmental and cultural context in which <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> operates. These stakeholders do not have a financial interest, but do have a clear interest in the <strong>Bank</strong>’s development. ADVISORS AND INSPIRERS This diverse group of people contribute to the further development of <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong>’s vision and mission. It includes external advisors with innovative ideas who respond to requests or provide advice spontaneously, and individuals who inspire new possibilities and insights. These people are vitally important, particularly where the development of sustainability strategies is concerned. Since its foundation, transparency has been one of <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong>’s major objectives. It believes it is essential that depositors and investors know what happens to their investments and capital. Meetings take place through out the year with <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong>’s customers and depository receipt holders as part of this commitment to transparency. These meetings offer room for discussions about <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong>’s strategy and policy. In September, for example, <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> brought 100 co-workers from across the organisation, to meet with 35 Belgian clients. This resulted in a rich exchange about what <strong>Triodos</strong> can mean to its clients and how the bank can contribute better to a more sustainable world. In addition to an annual customer day, in <strong>2009</strong> we continued to host meetings <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong>’s stakeholders are at the heart of everything it does; helping to provide encouragement and casting a helpful, critical eye over its long-term future. specifically for Belgian and British holders of depository receipts. In <strong>2009</strong>, the uk branch took part in the second National Ethical Investment Week. Two trips were arranged so <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> savers could meet the loan customers that their savings have helped to finance, in person. In its written and online publications, <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> provides clear information about the sectors it works in. The quarterly <strong>Triodos</strong>news magazine, the annual report, the interim report and the websites inform stakeholders about specific projects and companies <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> finances. The magazine is a key tool demonstrating the <strong>Bank</strong>’s commitment to transparency, and it is valued highly by customers. Plans to revamp the magazine began in <strong>2009</strong> and will be implemented in 2010. <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong>’s existing websites offer visitors three types of information: product information, details about the projects and companies it finances, and general <strong>Triodos</strong> <strong>Bank</strong> information, including its mission, history, key figures and organisational structure. The websites are an increasingly important means of communications for the <strong>Bank</strong> and the number of visitors they attract is increasing every month. In 2010, the improvements to the TRIODOS BANK - ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2009</strong> 65
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