What is community Investment? “Community investment” involves members of a community buying shares or bonds in an enterprise that serves a community purpose. It empowers communities by giving member/owners – a direct and active role in the enterprise. Members receive a fair return on their investment as well as sharing in the social, environmental or community benefits. “Community investment” involves members of a community buying shares or bonds in an enterprise that serves a community purpose. It empowers communities by giving member/owners – a direct and active role in the enterprise. Members receive a fair return on their investment as well as sharing in the social, environmental or community benefits.

Growth in community investment Community investment practices date back to the nineteenth century. Last ten years has seen a revival of interest in the practice. Source:Hugh Rolo:DTA

Basic facts and figures There are more than 80 UK examples of >than £10,000 of community investment Total community investment is £265m+ Collective membership nearly 6m 40 new cases in last 10 years Median amount raised is £135,000

Ekopia A Co-operative Registered in Feb members Assets of £800,000 plus Development Trust A Co-operative Registered in Feb members Assets of £800,000 plus Development Trust

Types of Structure - in UK Company Ltd by guarantee/Charity Company Ltd. by shares Co-operative CIC LLP Plc Company Ltd by guarantee/Charity Company Ltd. by shares Co-operative CIC LLP Plc

Co-operative Types Bona Fide or Co-operative Society Community Benefit Society Look similar Community ownership or owned by members of the Community? Bona Fide or Co-operative Society Community Benefit Society Look similar Community ownership or owned by members of the Community?

Company Structure and Shares Well-known and understood Relatively inexpensive BUT Can’t advertise shares Definitely seen as commercial Well-known and understood Relatively inexpensive BUT Can’t advertise shares Definitely seen as commercial

Co-op Structure and Shares Can advertise Relatively inexpensive BUT NOT well-known and understood May confuse grant funders Can advertise Relatively inexpensive BUT NOT well-known and understood May confuse grant funders

Phoenix Community Stores Turnover of just over £1 million Books, crafts, remedies Food the biggest area of growth Turnover of just over £1 million Books, crafts, remedies Food the biggest area of growth

Types of Investment £270k invested by Ekopia in Phoenix Loans Preference Shares Ordinary Shares Members in Ekopia Co-operative Shares Minimum of £500 invested £270k invested by Ekopia in Phoenix Loans Preference Shares Ordinary Shares Members in Ekopia Co-operative Shares Minimum of £500 invested

Loans Bank vs Private FSA issues Bank vs Private FSA issues Zero Interest shares are outside the scope

Social Investments in detail - in the UK d=4986 Social Investments in detail - in the UK d=4986

Main Projects Phoenix Shop NFD Chalets Wind Park Newbold Trust Eko Currency Community Land and Housing Trust Development Partners Phoenix Shop NFD Chalets Wind Park Newbold Trust Eko Currency Community Land and Housing Trust Development Partners

Photo: Liza Hollingshead