Since its launch in the Netherlands in 1971 Triodos Bank has slowly expanded, while never losing sight of its mission to provide an ethical alternative to mainstream banking. In 1995 the bank's UK branch opened in Bristol, where it continues to operate. With the rest of the financial world imploding in the aftermath of the credit crunch, the ‘alternative' bank now seems the sensible choice for investors - irrespective of ethical considerations.

Triodos Bank's central aim is to finance companies, institutions and projects that add cultural value and benefit people and the environment, with the support of depositors and investors who want to encourage corporate social responsibility and a sustainable society.

It hopes to enable individuals, institutions and businesses to use money more consciously in ways that benefit people and the environment, and promote sustainable development, while also offering customers sustainable financial products and high quality service.

Uniquely for a commercial UK bank, Triodos publishes detailed information about where it invests money. Investors in the bank can not only see exactly where their money is working but visit, promote and patronise the businesses and organisations they are indirectly supporting