ABRS+ Launches Assistance to Set Up CIC Companies for Members

The ABRS+ (The Association of British Riding Schools) have launched a brand new way to support their members who are looking to Diversify and would like to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC).

The Community Interest Company (CIC) is a corporate structure that was first introduced in 2005. It is designed for social enterprises or not-for-profit projects and is structured like a normal limited company, so it’s limited by shares or by guarantee. Some forms of finance are only available to charities or community interest companies. The ability to access money through grants or community development finance is a good reason to consider forming a CIC.  Additionally, when a CIC reaches the VAT threshold they may apply for a VAT exemption.

The ABRS+ has accessed funding through BEF’s Together Fund to support a limited number of their members that wish for business advice on the process of setting up a CIC.  Typically, the business consultancy will include:

•              30 minute initial consultancy discussion to discuss your situation

•              1 hour consultancy online, setting out expectations and agreeing the next steps and support

•              Then 2.5 days of support to help you moving forward and to set up the CIC

If you are an ABRS+ member, and are thinking of setting up a CIC and are not sure how, please contact George Baber on 07585 301454 george.baber@abrs-info.org for further information.

If you’re not yet an ABRS+ member, and would like to find out more about becoming an Approved Riding Establishment, or a Certified or Approved Livery Yard, please see here for more details: Join | Association of British Riding Schools (abrs-info.org)