FIVE HUNDREDTH COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
John Hanlon, the Regulator of Community Interest Companies, was delighted to announce the incorporation of the 500th community interest company on 9 October 2006.
“On becoming Regulator I explained that I wanted community interest companies to stimulate the imagination so that social entrepreneurship would permeate every aspect of society. I can certainly say that I have not been disappointed when I see the diversity of activities and the broad spectrum of communities being reached”.
“It is with pleasure that I welcome 'Territory Mapping' into the community interest family and congratulate them on becoming the 500th registered”.
“Territory Mapping C.I.C” is based in Portsmouth and is engaged in providing training and coaching to charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises, with emphasis on developing strategic business plans and improving overall performance.”
Says John “In just fourteen months we have seen CICs set up as cinemas, radio stations, special schools, ferries, railways, day-care centres and recycling units. In fact, the list is endless but they all have one thing in common. They are providing real and tangible benefits to communities throughout the UK. And I am particularly pleased to see that an increasing number of our CICs are helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged not only in the UK but also abroad”.
The most recent CIC to be registered in Scotland is a company called “Scotcash C.I.C”. "Scotcash" aims to help the residents of Glasgow by providing affordable loans and financial advice to residents with a poor credit rating.
And in Wales it’s “Cleanstream Group Community Interest Company” which is engaged in reducing waste disposal to a minimum and maximising the recovery of all useful material through recycling and recovery projects. The company provides employment and training to local people, including those who have difficulty entering employment.
“I remain optimistic as we look forward to the thousandth registration. I expect community interest companies to grow from strength to strength, delivering services in health, housing, transport and education securing contracts because they are the best in the market”.