21 July 2008: Barclays Stockbrokers launches National Share Giving Day to celebrate ShareGift initiative

Barclays Stockbrokers today launches National Share Giving Day (21 July) to celebrate a new initiative with ShareGift, the share donation charity, now offering Barclays Stockbrokers investors the chance to donate their small or unwanted shareholdings to a wide range of UK charities - and at no cost to the donor.

According to recent research almost a third (31 per cent) of those polled would give unwanted shares to charity*.  In addition, Barclays Stockbrokers has found 15 per cent of investors give shares to charity through a special agency such as ShareGift, and slightly more than that, 16 per cent, would like to learn how to do so**.

Many millions of pounds are locked up in odd lots of shares which would cost their owners more to sell than they are worth.  Since 1996 ShareGift has collected and sold millions of these unwanted shares, donating over £12 million to 1,500 charities.

Des Byrne, Head of Barclays Stockbrokers, says: “We are delighted to celebrate this initiative today. Our link with ShareGift responds to client demand and means Barclays Stockbrokers can provide investors who have small shareholdings and have no future investment plans for them, with a quick and simple way of donating to charity at no cost to themselves.

“This exciting new initiative with ShareGift demonstrates our ongoing support and commitment to UK charities, whilst using this as a platform to further develop our offering for our clients. We hope that by creating a national ‘Share Giving’ day we will encourage investors to make the most of their unwanted holdings by donating them to those in need.”    

Claire Mackintosh, Chief Executive and co-founder of ShareGift, says: “ShareGift’s vision was to create a new funding stream for UK charities. Tiny unwanted parcels of shares can be a headache for companies and shareholders alike and ShareGift provides a charitable solution to this international problem.

“We are delighted to be working with Barclays Stockbrokers to build on this work and raise the profile of this unique way of charitable giving.”

Clients wanting to donate shares to ShareGift can contact Barclays Stockbrokers on 0845 777 7500.

* Results taken from Barclays Stockbrokers web poll (23 June 2008 – 29 June 2008)
** Results taken from Barclays Stockbrokers web poll (10 July 2008 – 14 July 2008)

For further information contact:

Caroline Wells / Nicola Hankey
PR, Barclays Wealth
020 7114 7435 / 020 7114 9813

OR

Katie Hayward / Katherine Hobby
Lansons Communications
020 7294 3631 / 020 7566 9704
katieh@lansons.com / katherineh@lansons.com