There’s a new breed of social businesses flourishing in Cornwall; they are called Community Interest Companies and commonly referred to as CICs. A CIC is a new type of company, created under the Companies Act 2004 for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good. CICs are easy to set up, with all the flexibility and certainty of the company form, but with some special features to ensure they are working for the benefit of the community.

At the first ever CIC workshop in Cornwall held at Tremayne Hall, Mylor Bridge, Nr Falmouth organised by Cornwall Rural Community Council (CRCC) the national CIC Regulator, Sara Burgess, based in Companies House, Cardiff, said ‘I am delighted to see that community interest companies are well represented in Cornwall and that more and more social enterprises are recognising the very real benefits that CICs offer. Complimenting its world-class charitable enterprises such as the Eden Project and Fifteen Cornwall, Cornwall is experiencing significant growth in this emerging business sector with 43 registered community interest companies. I feel that the eager response to the CIC workshop indicates that the trend will continue.’

Representatives from 35 organisations attended the workshop to hear more about CICs and how to go about setting up such companies. CICs pursue social objectives, such as environmental improvement, community transport, fair trade etc. Such companies are playing an increasing role in regenerating disadvantaged areas, empowering local communities and delivering new, innovative services at local level. One example is Chew TV Community Interest Company, an on-line TV channel for young people. It is run by young people and it aims to stimulate social change through giving a voice and a platform to other young people and connecting them to local and global opportunities. Another example is Mevagissey Activity Centre CIC a social enterprise that manages a state of the art sports, recreation and IT facility for the benefit of the local community.

Bob Northey, Community Enterprise Officer with CRCC said ‘We are delighted with the CIC Regulator’s visit to Cornwall and her recognition of the significant growth of CIC’s in Cornwall’. CRCC through its Community Enterprise Service offers a range of support for social enterprises and a programme of skills advice and free vocational training for employees. For further information contact Bob Northey email: bob.northey @cornwallrcc.co.uk or call 01872 243549