A community-driven digital currency called the Potteries Pound is set to be launched next week – and businesses are being asked to support it.
People will be able to bank a wide range of actions, such as volunteering, caring for elderly relatives, getting involved in health and fitness activities, work to improve the local environment, and cultural activities.
They will then be able to exchange their actions for a digital token – the Potteries Pound – which can be spent with local companies who sign up to the scheme.
The approach has been developed by a community benefit society called #BeKind as part of a wider project called The Stoke Model – all with the aim of improving society and empowering individuals.
Organisers say the key to success is time-banking – one hour of community work is equal to one Potteries Pound, which can be spent with local companies who agree to sign up to The Stoke Model.
A launch event will take place at Keele Business School on Wednesday, 9 October along with the presentation of a white paper called The Potteries Pound: A Community-Driven Digital Currency.
The white paper is based on a study carried out by Keele University, which independently endorses the work of The Stoke Model.
The research described the Potteries Pound as a tool for social change, a catalyst for economic regeneration, and a symbol of the community’s commitment to create a better future.
#BeKind is run by experienced community and regeneration professionals, Mike Riddell, Annette Francis, and Dave Proudlove, who say the Potteries Pound can be the start of a cultural revolution to support communities throughout the UK and beyond.
Mike said: “The Potteries Pound is a genuine innovation – as yet there is no other digital local currency in operation anywhere in the world. The launch is a call to action – we want partners and collaborators to join us.
“It is a community-driven digital currency at the heart of a revolutionary economic model.”
Fellow Director, Dave Proudlove, added: “We need local people, and North Staffordshire company owners, to join us in this pioneering initiative.
“Together we can lead the way – it starts in the Potteries, an area of innovation where pioneers and great thinkers, such as Josiah Wedgwood, helped to spark an industrial revolution. It is a story of rebirth, a comeback for the Potteries founded on community values.”
The launch, at the IC7 business centre at Keele University, is an opportunity to become one of the initial gold standard shareholders, working alongside the directors.
