The power of everyday investing

If you thought most investors were suited stockbrokers making fast-paced deals behind the scenes, you’d probably be surprised.

Because you’re an investor.

In fact, everyone with a pension is an investor - including millions of Nest members. Your pension savings are invested in thousands of different opportunities, including some that are very close to home.

Investing in your local community

Having a Nest pension means your money is hard at work, sometimes in projects that benefit your local community.

Take the Lincs windfarm. It’s part-owned by you as one of the thousands of Nest investments you hold, helping to build your pension savings. But it also boosts the Grimsby economy by creating hundreds of jobs in the area.

Nest members visit the Grimsby windfarm they’re invested in

We took Pete, a local fishmonger and Nest member, to see the windfarm in person. He’s proud that his pension savings are invested so close to home, having seen how it’s improved his community.

“The windfarm has completely changed Grimsby. And for the better.

The boats that service the windfarms are usually rented from local companies, which brings in business to local fishermen.

The docks have also transformed over the years. They’ve become more alive. It’s now one of the busiest places in Grimsby.

Knowing that my money is going into things like windfarms makes me feel good as it’s having an impact on the world.”

The everyday items in your pension pot

Your money is invested in more than wind farms though. It’s put in countless household brands that you use to cook or clean with.

Every time you have a bowl of Kellogg’s cereal, a Cadbury’s treat or even a cup of coffee, you’re holding part of your pension pot in your hands.

We invited Nest members to see the secret ingredients in their pension pot over a banoffee pie.

Nest members discover the secret ingredient in their pension pot

Rebuilding UK high streets

Your pension has also been put in commercial property around the UK, bringing the benefits of property investment while supporting local regeneration.

One initiative helped 10 Dorset entrepreneurs, ranging from a vintage furniture restorer to a Western clothing boutique to a thriving plant shop, to take their businesses to the next level.

The start-up owners were given the opportunity to set up physical shops in Kingsland shopping centre in Poole, without paying rent or fees for the first 2 years. The new shops helped to bring footfall into the shopping centre - and also gave these local businesses the chance to flourish.