What are community shares?

In the next couple of years SDCE intends to develop a community owned renewable energy scheme, we will raise the funds through a community share offer, so if you've never heard of community shares before, here is a quick introduction:

Since 2009, almost a 120,000 people have invested over £100m to support 350 community businesses throughout the UK. 

• Community shares are a way of investing in a community project.
• Local people will be offered the chance to purchase shares.
• All investors will become members of SDCE and be able to attend the AGM and help shape the future of the company.
• Each investor will have one vote regardless of the amount they invested.
• Other community energy schemes offer their investors an annual return of 5-6%.
• All profits are paid into a Community Fund, which is then distributed within the local community in accordance with guidelines determined by SDCE and its members.

The term 'community shares' refers to withdrawable share capital; a form of share capital unique to co-operative and community benefit society legislation. This type of share capital can only be issued by co-operative societies, community benefit societies and charitable community benefit societies.
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Community shares can save local shops and pubs, finance renewable energy schemes, transform community facilities, support local food growing, fund new football clubs, restore heritage buildings, and above all, build stronger, more vibrant, and independent communities.

You can find lots more information about Community Shares here.