Below are some questions we have been asked that others might have. If the answers still don’t make sense, please do send us an email and we will explain and update this page.
Why a Community Benefit Society?
A Community Benefit Society has been chosen primarily for it’s democratic focus. The defining feature a CBS has over other company (or company-like) structures is that no matter how many shares an investor owns, they will only get one vote. One member, one vote.
What does and Investor get when they become a member of the CBS?
The main thing becoming a member of the CBS gives an investor is ensuring they have a voice and a vote on how the freehold of the pub is managed. It becomes yours to decide how we as a community run. All members have the option to stand to become part of the management committee as voted on by the members. Further, all members will get their name on a plaque in the pub memorialising their contribution as well as a free drink on their birthday.
There are additional “bonuses” available if an investor contributes more. Please check the Share Offer documents here and/or on the Crowdfunder page for more details.
Say you are successful in purchasing The Trafalgar, would you make any changes?
Currently, we are very happy with how day to day the pub is being run overall. We hope you agree to!
We are in constant discussions with Oli as the pub’s landlord about various different community projects that we can start to bring in to the Traf. Being a member of the CBS, you will be able to a direct say in what these can be and float different options in our meetings as well. A community pub whose future as a community hub is shaped by you.
What else can people do to get involved?
During our current fundraise period, the initial focus was getting to that all important first £250,000 target. Now that we are beyond that it is important we keep going as every £ more in shares means the CBS needs to take on less debt in raising the £530,000 total needed. Any way that you can spread the news is invaluable. Send our Share Offer page to your friends, invite them down to the pub, send them the Share Offer document directly, anything like that!
Once we have (hopefully!) successfully completed our fundraise, a gap in skills we are currently missing is accountancy. If you are an accountant, or have experience in managing finances in an organisation like ours, we would love to hear from you.
Who can buy shares? Can partners buy them together?
The only requirement for purchasing shares for individuals is that the applicant is over 18. There are no geographic limitations. If you are a US citizen or have a legitimate reason that you cannot pay us via a UK payment method, please contact the management committee via email for further guidance.
Each applicant needs to be a singular real person, or a company/institute (clubs or associations can also invest via a nominee). This means, unfortunately, that couples cannot be added together as members of the CBS.You can buy an investment as a gift for someone else, however.
While there can only officially be one person listed as a CBS member per investment, we can change the wording on the plaque to something else if you would like. We have examples of “Family X” and using two people’s names so far.
What other options are there for support Save the Traf if I don’t want to invest £250?
If you would like to contribute towards our fund raise but are unable or don’t want to invest the minimum amount, we are happy to take donations. There are a few options available:
- The cash box at the bar at the Traf.
- A bank transfer to Cabo Trafalgar directly (bank details can be found below).
- An online donation using Zeffy. Find more details on this post.
- A cheque is possible, thought it is not our first preference. If you would like to donate via cheque, please contact us.
Our bank details are:
- Sort 08-92-99
- Account number 67501157
- Name: Cabo Trafalgar Limited