How does it work?

Community benefit societies must only use their assets for the benefit of the community. If a community benefit society is sold, converted, or amalgamated with another legal entity, its assets must continue to be used for the benefit of the community and must not be distributed to members.

In simple terms, investors – locals, or anyone that wants to support the community business – buy shares in a registered society. Some societies can pay interest on these investments, but we have chosen to amend our rules to preclude this. The shares cannot be traded like company shares and their value does not increase, but they can be withdrawn by the investor on application to the management committee. Shares are issued on a one-member, one-vote basis, so that each investor has equal influence over the governance processes of the business regardless of the size of their investment.

How does this relate to Amberley Shop on the Common?

A Community Benefit Society has been established under the name ‘Amberley Shop on the Common’. We are hoping to raise at least £60,000 through the sale of £10 shares in this society.
You can buy shares to support for this project here >>