A guide
A plain-English tour of the three legal shapes that unlock different farm-funding routes. A guide, not financial or legal advice — always take your own independent legal and tax advice.
A limited company that trades for community benefit, with an asset lock that stops profits and assets being taken for private gain. Register at Companies House (community interest statement form CIC36); approved and overseen by the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies. Its recognised community purpose reassures many grant-makers.
Register: gov.uk — set up a social enterprise
Regulator: Office of the Regulator of CICs
A society registered with the Financial Conduct Authority under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, run for the wider community's benefit. It can raise community shares (withdrawable share capital) and can adopt a statutory asset lock. The usual vehicle for community share offers to buy land or assets.
Register: FCA — registered societies
Registered with and regulated by the Charity Commission; a non-CIO charity must register once annual income exceeds £5,000. A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) can register at any income and gives limited liability without also registering at Companies House. Opens access to many trusts and tax reliefs but brings public-benefit and reporting duties.
Register: gov.uk — register your charity