Bristol Pound

For nearly a decade, the Bristol Pound was famous around the world for its city-wide complementary currency scheme, which operated from 2012 to 2021. The currency aimed to localise supply chains serving the city, using paper and digital money. The organisation then renamed to become Bristol Pay. During this phase, we developed plans for a payment system that was to raise funds for the local voluntary sector, and designed an innovative approach to behaviour change, using digital tokens to count social and environmental value creation to help people understand their impact. The organisation has now been closed down, but we're still happy to answer questions from academics and alternative economy activists and practitioners. Please see our legacy website: www.bristolpoundlegacy.info/. You can also still get souvenirs through that website. In spring 2024, a book will be published, chronicling the history of the Bristol Pound, and introducing readers to a range of alternative economic thinking. It will be called 'Value Beyond Money', and will also be available from the legacy website.