Chiswick Man Features as 'New Philanthropist'

Professor Charles Handy lauds the work of Peter Ryan

Peter Ryan, the Chiswick based founder of the Microloan Foundation (MLF) is to be the subject of a talk by Professor Charles Handy one of the most influential UK business thinkers today.

Charles Handy is a writer, broadcaster and lecturer. His books on the changing shape of work and its effects on our lives and organisations have sold more than one million copies around the world and he is well known for his regular appearance on ‘Thoughts for Today’ and the Radio 4 breakfast show ‘Today’.

On November 9th at Lloyds Library, he will talk about the people and ideas in his latest book ‘The New Philanthropists’, published this month, which raises issues of particular relevance to those working in the heart of the City. The evening will be chaired by Walter Merricks, the Chief Ombudsman and Chief Executive of the UK’s Financial Ombudsman Service.

In his book, Handy portrays a new generation of practical philanthropists: men and women who have made their own fortunes and decided in so doing to give something back to those less well off or successful than them. They have chosen to do this not just by making generous donations to their chosen charities but also by actively employing their own entrepreneurial and managerial skills to help make a real difference

Peter Ryan is one of the people featured in the book is Peter Ryan. The MLF works with groups of women in Malawi, one of the poorest African countries, to make small business loans to women’s groups and to provide ongoing marketing and business support. Tackling poverty through promoting sustainable small businesses is very different from simply giving direct aid and it is an approach that is attracting real interest, particularly amongst business audiences. Peter Ryan will be interviewed by Charles during the evening where he will elaborate on the work of the MLF.

The event which begins at 6pm should last just over an hour with an opportunity for discussion, networking and book signing over refreshments afterwards.

As the MLF, a registered charity, are hosting the event, guests are invited to make a donation of £30 to cover the costs of the evening. Higher rate taxpayers will obviously get relief for this amount.

October 28, 2006