{"id":10865,"date":"2023-10-22T12:11:02","date_gmt":"2023-10-22T11:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=10865"},"modified":"2024-05-01T00:19:38","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T23:19:38","slug":"community-interest-company-cic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/community-interest-company-cic\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Community Interest Company (CIC)?"},"content":{"rendered":"
For anyone driven by social causes and aspiring to combine entrepreneurship with a commitment to community welfare, the community interest company (CIC) is a typical choice.<\/p>\n
In this article, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about the community interest company structure, the benefits of operating as a CIC, and how to set one up. Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n
A community interest company (often abbreviated to ‘CIC’) is a hybrid corporate structure that combines features of a traditional limited company with a strong focus on social impact and community benefit.<\/p>\n
CICs were first introduced in 2005 to provide a legal framework for social enterprises or not-for-profit projects, as an alternative to a charity or ordinary business model.<\/p>\n
A CIC is structured like a normal limited company, meaning they:<\/p>\n
However, there are some distinct differences. CICs will need to comply with The Community Interest Company Regulations 2005<\/a>. This means they must:<\/p>\n While both CICs and charities are centred around social good and community benefit, they differ fundamentally in their organisational structures and legal frameworks.<\/p>\n Charities are registered with the Charity Commission and operate exclusively for public benefit. They are bound by charity law and must adhere to the Charities Act 2011<\/a>.<\/p>\n Setting up a charity? Here’s what you need to know…<\/span><\/a>\n \n On the other hand, CICs operate with a dual focus on both community benefits and generating income, allowing for more commercial activities than traditional charities. CICs are regulated by the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies, which oversees their compliance with the Community Interest Company legislation.<\/p>\n As a CIC, a significant portion of your funding usually comes from trade, and the profits generated are reinvested back into running the company. Conversely, a charity primarily relies on funding from donations and grants.<\/p>\n It’s also important to note that, unlike charities, CICs do not qualify for tax relief.<\/p>\n While a CIC shares some features of a limited company, as detailed above, there are some additional steps they will need to take.<\/p>\n As well as registering with Companies House, in the same way as a normal limited company would, they must also register with the CIC Regulator. In addition to complying with company law, they must also adhere to CIC legislation.<\/p>\n Most notably, a CIC must use its assets and surplus income for the benefit of the community and its social objectives, rather than distributing profits amongst its members, as with a normal limited company.<\/p>\n However, CICs are able to pay dividends restricted to a maximum of 35% of distributable profits to its shareholders.<\/p>\n In the event of a typical limited company’s dissolution, any remaining profits and assets can be allocated to its members. But when a CIC is dissolved, the regulations tied to the \u2018Asset Lock\u2019 stipulate that the company must transfer its assets and profits to another CIC or a designated charity.<\/p>\n There are a number of reasons someone would choose to set up a community interest company. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the most obvious benefits below:<\/p>\n If you have a deep-rooted passion for a social cause, whether it’s related to the environment, education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, or community development, a CIC provides a structured platform to channel your efforts and resources toward creating meaningful change.<\/p>\n One of the main advantages of a CIC is limited liability. In the exact same way as a limited company, the personal assets of the directors and members are protected, and they are only liable for the company’s debts to the extent of their investment or guarantee.<\/p>\n CICs have access to various funding opportunities available specifically for social enterprises. This includes grants, impact investment, and other financial support aimed at encouraging and sustaining businesses with a strong community focus.<\/p>\n The limited company structure is relatively simple to set up and manage, in comparison to the more complex charity model. It also provides ease when dealing with organisations such as governmental bodies.<\/p>\n Having this legal entity means your CIC has the option to be set up as a private company limited by shares, limited by guarantee, or a public limited company.<\/p>\n To set up a community interest company in the UK, you will need to follow the six steps outlined below:<\/p>\n Your CIC requires at least one director and one member. This may be the same person or a group of people.<\/p>\n Directors play a crucial role in decision-making and the day-to-day operations of the company. Ensure they are aligned with the social mission of the CIC, and possess the necessary skills and commitment to drive the business towards its community-oriented goals.<\/p>\n The name of your CIC should reflect the nature and purpose of your community interest work. Ensure the chosen name is unique, available for registration, and resonates with the values and objectives of your CIC.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to note that if you\u2019re registering a private company, you should include \u2018community interest company\u2019 or \u2018CIC\u2019 at the end of your chosen name (or the Welsh equivalent). If you are setting up a public company, the name should include \u2018Community Interest Public Limited Company\u2019 or \u2018Community Interest PLC\u2019 at the end.<\/p>\n Next, you\u2019ll need to craft your community interest statement \u2013 a vital step in the CIC application process.<\/p>\n Think of it as a mission statement, outlining the social purpose and objectives of your CIC in clear detail; including how your business will benefit the community, the types of activities you have planned, and how you intend on carrying them out.<\/p>\n Your statement will need to be written on form CIC36<\/a> as part of the registration process. This will later be reviewed by the CIC Regulator, who will refer to it to determine if your plans fulfil the community interest test <\/a>and if you subsequently qualify for CIC status.<\/p>\n The constitution of your CIC comprises two essential documents: the memorandum of association and the articles of association.<\/p>\n The memorandum of association lists the names of your members and is created automatically, provided you register your CIC online.<\/p>\n Articles of association outline the rules and social objectives in terms of how your business will work in the best interests of the community.<\/p>\n Unlike regular limited companies, CICs do not have the option to adopt standard articles from Companies House. Instead, the CIC regulator provides model constitutions<\/a> designed specifically for CICs.<\/p>\n As touched on earlier, a central feature of CICs is an \u2018Asset Lock\u2019. This is essentially a legal promise that pledges to only use the company\u2019s assets in line with your social objectives.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to refer to your \u2018Asset Lock\u2019 within your CIC\u2019s articles of association.<\/p>\n Additionally, you will need to assign an \u2018asset-locked body\u2019, which may be another CIC or a charity, who will receive the assets should you dissolve your CIC in the future.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve followed the above five steps, you\u2019ll need to officially register your CIC with Companies House. The quickest and easiest way to do this is online, via GOV.UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to:<\/p>\n Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the CIC Regulator, and you will most likely receive approval within two working days.<\/p>\n For more information on registration, visit GOV.UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n We hope this post has helped clarify what a community interest company is, and that it\u2019s provided you with enough information to decide if a CIC is the right choice for your business plans. Remember, it\u2019s always a good idea to consult a professional for advice before making any formal decisions.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, or you\u2019d like help forming your company, contact our team of experts<\/a> today.<\/p>\n \n
CIC vs. charity \u2013 what\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n
CIC vs. limited company \u2013 what\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n
What are the benefits?<\/h2>\n
1. A strong focus on social impact<\/h4>\n
2. Protection of limited liability<\/h4>\n
3. Funding opportunities<\/h4>\n
4. Flexibility of limited company structure<\/h4>\n
How to set up a community interest company<\/h2>\n
Step 1. Decide your CIC\u2019s directors and members
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\nStep 2. Choose a suitable name<\/h4>\n
Step 3. Write your community interest statement<\/h4>\n
Step 4. Establish your constitution<\/h4>\n
Step 5. Create an \u2018Asset Lock\u2019<\/h4>\n
Step 6. Register with Companies House<\/h4>\n
\n
Wrapping up<\/h3>\n