Communtiy Interest Company (CIC) Incorporation

For creative entrepreneurs and collective-led projects, a Community Interest Company (CIC) offers a unique middle ground. It provides the commercial agility of a private company with a “locked-in” commitment to community impact.

We guide you through the process of establishing a social enterprise that is both eligible for social investment, ensuring your structure supports long-term creative independence.

We work with you to ensure your community interest statement and asset lock are drafted to protect your mission while allowing for sustainable growth.

Our range of services includes:

• Model Selection: We advise on whether a “Small Membership” (Board-led) or “Large Membership” (Community-led) structure is appropriate for your governance style, specifically regarding how you intend to engage with your audience or local stakeholders.
• Drafting the Community Interest Statement: We work with you to articulate your “social purpose” and ensure it accurately reflects your artistic or cultural goals while meeting the Community Interest Test.
• Asset Lock & Articles of Association: We can draft bespoke Articles that include a mandatory Asset Lock. This ensures that your assets are legally dedicated to your mission and cannot be stripped for private gain.
• Remuneration & Dividend Advice: Unlike traditional charities, CICs offer more flexibility in paying directors and, in some cases, capped dividends to investors. We advise on how to structure these incentives without compromising your “social enterprise” status or grant eligibility.
• ASCP & Identity Verification: As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ASCP), we handle the mandatory identity verification for all directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) in-house, streamlining your registration with Companies House.
• Social Investment Readiness: we ensure your governing documents are “investment-ready” and compliant with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or CIC Regulator standards.
• Conversion and Evolution: For existing commercial companies looking to “go social,” or charities needing to move into a more entrepreneurial CIC structure, we manage the entire legal migration and asset transfer process.

By managing the regulatory complexities of the CIC model, we provide you with a structure that proves your commitment to your community from day one.