Key Fund grows to become ‘most prolific’ social investor

According to figures from the Community Development Finance Associations (CDFA), the Sheffield-based firm, which provides finance to social enterprises in the North of England, was responsible for 40 per cent of investments made across the UK.

Key Fund saw its total assets grow almost 60 per cent last year, while its net worth growth was 30 per cent.

The CDFA findings, published in its Inside Community Finance report, revealed Key Fund has added £24m of benefit to the UK economy, equal to £8 return on every £1 invested.

Sam Tarff, chief executive of Key Fund, said: “It’s been the best year on record for the Key Fund.

“It shows that Social Enterprise is a sustainable and profitable sector, and one that’s increasingly at the forefront of the UK economy.”

Since making its first loan in 2002, Key Fund has invested more than £35m in 2,300 organisations, with a 4.4 per cent loss rate.