Frequently Asked Questions

  • A CBS is designed to benefit a community, not to deliver private profit to individuals. A CBS strictly governed by FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) legislation. It is owned by its members who buy shares in the CBS, and it is managed on their behalf by a Management Committee.

    • Community shares are an investment in a CBS with voting rights; capital is at risk; withdrawals are possible when finances allow and in accordance with the FCA and the CBS rules.

    • Donations are gifts given with no voting rights. 

    • Pledges are promises to invest/donate later; no money is taken until called on. In strong fundraising campaigns, around 80–90% of pledges are typically fulfilled.

  • The CBS must pay a fair market price, set by an independent RICS qualified valuation, checks against recent comparable sales, and a normal negotiation with the seller that is documented and defensible, as it is done so on behalf of the CBS Members.

  • Under FCA regulations the Management Committee must first explore recovery options. If closure is unavoidable, assets are sold transparently; proceeds pay legitimate costs and creditors; members’ liability is limited to what they invested; return of share capital is not guaranteed the same as with any shares.

  • Yes. Sector data shows over 90% of businesses that used community shares are still trading (reported at 92%), evidencing resilience when communities invest together.

  • If the CBS cannot continue and must close, donated funds cannot be returned to donors. They become part of the CBS’s remaining assets and will be used alongside other proceeds to cover closure costs and settle creditors. Anything left after all obligations are met will be used to support causes within the community, in keeping with the CBS’s community-benefit purpose

  • Shipton Village Centre is a community facility intended for general public use meetings, classes, events, groups, and some community activities e.g. coffee pot or mums and bubs. It is a charitable organisation supported by the Parish council as well as a recipient of funding from TVBC through them. It does not sell alcohol or trade as a hospitality business. Drop ins are limited if there is an open event on  eg the SNAP Reminiscence Days which were open to everyone to drop in and visit

    Shipton Sports and Social Club is a members’ only club focused on sports and teams, with related events, people cannot just drop in. Usage is for members and invited guests. It has very limited opening hours and does not provide food; its facilities are oriented around sporting club-based socialising not general public trade. It has run in harmony with the village pub for over 100 years meeting different needs within the community.

    Shipton Community Pub Ltd (SCPL)’s community pub will be something different again: The Boot Inn will be an inclusive, warm, and welcoming space designed for the whole village open to everyone, most days. As a community pub, it will offer a relaxed, family-friendly environment with quality food and drink, space for clubs and groups to meet, and a safe, comfortable setting for veterans, young people, newcomers, and the elderly alike. It will be a place to eat, gather, celebrate, connect and feel part of village life reflecting the needs of the entire community rather than any single group as per other Community Pubs.

  • SCPL is the Community Benefit Society (CBS) that intends to purchase, own and operate The Boot Inn for community benefit. It is regulated by the FCA, it will run on a one-member-one-vote basis and reinvest any surplus into the pub and the wider community. Community-owned pubs have an incredible 99.3% long-term survival rate. The number of community-owned pubs has grown by 62.6% over the past five years.

  • SNAP (Shipton Needs A Pub) is our public-facing campaign to inform, involve and mobilise the community. SCPL is the legal entity; SNAP is how we communicate and engage.

  • SCPL is run by a Management Committee of volunteers and a large network of local volunteers. We are supported by the Plunkett Foundation, along with a network of other community-owned pubs and business owners who share knowledge and experience.

  • Pledges demonstrate strong local backing. Hitting our pledge target helps convince the current owner, funders, grant bodies and social investors that the village is committed to bringing The Boot Inn into community ownership. In strong community campaigns 80–90% of pledges are fulfilled.

  • You choose an amount that suits you. Indicative investment limits are a minimum of £50 and a maximum of £25,000 per person when the share offer opens.

  • You’ll receive an acknowledgement. When we launch the official Share Offer, we will send you a Prospectus covering business plans and investment details, inviting you to convert your pledge into community shares.

  • Yes please do. You can volunteer skills, join a working group, help with events and fundraising, and spread the word across the village and online. Every bit of support brings us closer to reopening The Boot Inn.