Talking about money gyoza long way: Bristol eatery serves up investing chats with free dumplings

• Over four in 10 (41%) savers in Bristol want to learn more about investing, yet seven in 10 rarely talk about it

• One in three (32%) savers say speaking to someone they know about investing would make them feel more confident about getting started

• On 16th and 17^th July, popular Gyoza restaurant, Eatchu, will be turned into the ‘Savvy Dumpling Shop’ giving people the chance to have informal and open conversations about investing with Bristol-based finance educator Laura Tilt

An award-winning Bristol gyoza vendor is taking part in the nationwide Invest for the Future campaign to get Bristolians talking more openly about investing.

On 16 and 17 July, Eatchu’s restaurant, in Clifton Triangle, will become the ‘Savvy Dumpling Shop’ serving up free dumplings in exchange for taking part in a conversation about investing.

On Thursday 16 July, financial educator, Bristol based Laura Tilt (@money.in.midlife) will be on hand to share how she got started and explain why open conversations about money could help more people feel confident taking the next step to invest.

People in Bristol are curious about investing, but rarely talk about it

New research² suggests over four in 10 (41%) savers who live in Bristol say they are curious to learn more about investing, suggesting local people are looking to make more of their money.

The study, which was commissioned by the industry-backed, Invest for the Future campaign, also reveals the barriers currently holding locals back.

Over seven in 10 (74%) savers say it feels like “a big step”, and many don’t know where to start (28%).

Part of the reason for that may be because it is so rarely talked about openly in everyday life - over seven in 10 (71%) Bristol residents say they rarely or never discuss it.

The research highlights a clear opportunity to normalise investing and build confidence by making conversations about it more visible and accessible.

In fact, almost one in three (32%) local savers say they would feel more likely to invest after a conversation with someone they know.

The partnership with Eatchu aims to encourage relaxed, no-nonsense conversations about investing

Food and shared meals have always been the backdrop to conversation and connection. This partnership will encourage customers to take part in a relaxed chat all about investing and money, and in exchange for taking part, they will receive their dumplings for free¹.

Financial educator, Bristol based Laura Tilt (@money.in.midlife on Instagram) says: "I was 37 when I started learning about money and investing. I felt late - but I knew I just had to start. I had no prior experience. It had never been part of conversations around me and I'd always assumed investing was for finance experts. Then I read a book that helped me understand it was for everyone - and that I didn't need to know everything to begin. I'm 44 now, have built up my investments and no longer feel anxious about my financial future.

“That's why campaigns like this matter. Normalising conversations about investing builds the confidence to start - people are far more likely to take that first step if they can talk to someone who already has."

Guy Siddall, founder and owner of Eatchu says: "We’re really excited to be a part of this. At Eatchu, we've always believed good food brings people together. Some of the best conversations happen over a shared meal, so when we heard about the campaign, it felt like a natural fit. We hope that by creating a relaxed environment where customers feel comfortable asking questions about investing, they will leave not only with full stomachs, but also a bit more knowledge and a bit more confidence."

The Invest for the Future campaign is backed by major UK financial firms including Hargreaves Lansdown, which is headquartered in Bristol. It aims to spark everyday conversations about investing, and address some of the concerns that people may have. 

For example, while fear of loss is one of the biggest barriers stopping savers in the region from taking the next step, leaving too much money sitting in cash over the long term can also carry risks, as its value can be eroded by inflation.  

Looking back over the last 20 years, research from Barclays shows that after taking account of interest earned, inflation and investment fees cash would have reduced in value by 40.5% while an illustrative diversified investment portfolio of UK assets would have gone up 21.6%^.3 In real terms that means £1,000 in cash savings would now be worth £595 compared to £1,216 invested.

Simon Belsham, Chief Client Office at Hargreaves Lansdown says: “Bristol is our home, so we are proud to help bring Invest for the Future into the heart of the city. For many, investing has felt complicated, intimidating or simply ‘not for people like me’. But the research shows many savers in Bristol are curious to learn more and want to understand how they can make their money work harder over the long term.

“By taking conversations about investing out of traditional financial settings and into the community, we want to help more people feel comfortable asking questions, exploring their options and taking the next step when it is right for them.”