News from the world of community shares
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December Newsletter
Welcome to the last CSU newsletter of 2016. It has been a year of growth and diversification in the community shares market, with larger sums raised by more members in a wider spread of sectors, more evenly distributed across the UK.
Congratulations to the following societies whose share offers are the latest to be awarded the Standard Mark:
The number of Standard Mark awarded offers has doubled with community shares practitioners playing a major role. We have been building an active practitioner base to deliver the quality standard process and are delighted to report that 145 individuals have engaged with this process - double the number from 12 months ago.
We hope that 2017 sees even more community groups using the community shares funding mechanism. And the CSU is here to provide support.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas,
The CSU team
CSU launches new resources to support community shares market
The CSU has published a brand new guide to investing in community shares. This comprehensive, public-facing document is ideal for people new to community shares and also a key resource for more experienced practitioners or societies looking to promote their share offers.
Also, the CSU Open Data dashboard is now live so that you can see the live data that feeds into our website's Directory.
Microgenius portal lists all Community Shares Standard Mark awarded share offers
The Standard Mark, launched in 2015, is awarded to community share offers that meet national standards of good practice. Now you can use Microgenius to find the latest Standard Mark-awarded offers in your area.
Community shares showcase
We teamed up with Ethex last month to deliver a half-day free event - and the diverse range of speakers highlighted how positive investment is being used by community groups and businesses.
It was also a great opportunity to network and learn about latest trends and market data. Email us for details on future events.
Updated Charitable Community Benefit Society model
Following increased demand from charities to raise capital via community share offers, Co-operatives UK has updated its Charitable Community Benefit Society model.
Big Society Capital launches a £15m investment fund for community housing projects.
Could this mean a lot more new community shares offers on the horizon?
New £5.5m Northern Impact Fund for social enterprises
A new £5.5m fund, offering grants and unsecured loan finance to social enterprises has launched across the North of England and the Midlands.
Community shares in the news
The BBC covered Strontian Community School Building's Standard Mark-awarded #comshares offer, including how they have secured £50,825 grant to support their project.
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has awarded a community business - and Standard Mark-awarded comshares offer - the first ever Pub Saving Award. Congratulations to The Drovers Inn in Gussage!
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