Thinking of becoming a shareholder?

Join us - why?

Becoming a Shareholder in Secret Projects Community Benefit Society (SPCBS) is an amazing and powerful way to join our journey to empower women in India. We are proud to have over 280 committed Shareholders, each one sharing our vision of a world where all women have the confidence and resources to make choices, thrive and contribute to the strengthening of their communities.

Becoming a Shareholder in a little more detail...

Shares in SPCBS are £10 each and, with a minimum share investment of 5 shares per person, investment begins at just £50.  We wanted to make buying shares affordable, so as many people as possible could join us and become a Shareholder!

Key points:

  • Both Adults and under 16’s can own shares
  • Shares can be gifted (to both adults and under 16’s)
  • Shares can be bought over a period of time and paid for in monthly instalments

As a member of SPCBS, the benefits are many (not just the feeling one gets from investing in an organisation that works tirelessly and effectively to empower women in India) and include:

  • The ability to stand and vote for the new Board of Directors and on other important organisational decisions
  • An invitation to join our live-streamed AGM
  • A Young Persons Shareholder Pack for under 16’s, explaining exactly what it means to be a shareholder
  • Up to 3% interest on your share capital when the company makes a profit and the right to ask for your money back after 3 years
  • For eligible UK tax payers, EIS tax relief is available
  • Shares can be purchased at anytime throughout the year

Please note: We cannot give tax advice, and can only say that the investment is a valid investment for tax relief. Anyone considering investing with tax relief in mind, should contact a financial advisor to establish your eligibility for this particular form of tax relief.

To talk to us about becoming a Shareholder in SPCBS, please email: invest@secretprojects.org or select the next Invest drop and buy shares now via our website

FAQS

Here are some frequently asked questions from people considering becoming a shareholder:

Question: What is the difference between a community share and a 'normal' share?

Answer: Ordinary shares can be transferred to another person, but Community shares cannot be sold or transferred to another person during the lifetime of the shareholder. An investor holding a community share can get their investment back by applying to the company to withdraw their capital.

Question: If I invest £50, how much money will I make over 5 years?

Answer: If the company makes profit, you will earn between £6 and £7.50 on your £50 investment over 5 years. This is equal to 12% to 15% return on your investment.

Nb. Please see 'Investment levels explained' for more in depth information about this important aspect of investing in Secret Projects.

Question: I have invested in this wonderful business but was wondering if I can keep my interest in with my shares and buy more shares each year?

Answer: Yes you can use your interest to buy more shares.

Question: Is it possible for businesses outside of the UK to invest? What are the advantages for a business to invest?

Answer: Yes, businesses outside the UK can invest. High value is attached by customers, suppliers and employees to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which is about a business playing their responsible part and giving back to the society. A business investing in the Secret Projects CBS can list this under their CSR achievements. In addition, the business will receive interest on the investment just like any other shareholder.

Question: Can you 'gift' the shares?

Answer: Yes, you can gift the shares to anyone (child or adult). 

Question: What is EIS?

Answer: Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is an income tax relief offered by HMRC to individual investors who buy shares in a Social Enterprise that meets certain conditions. The tax relief is 30% off the investor's tax bill for the year.

Examples of EIS tax relief are as follows:

  • An investment of £500, can qualify for £150 in tax relief
  • An investment of £1000, can qualify for £300 back in tax relief
  • An investment of £5000, can qualify for for £1,500
  • An investment of £10,000 can qualify for £3,000 relief

Nb. Please see 'Investment levels explained' for more in depth information about this important aspect of investing in Secret Projects.

Question: I know this is a special sort of company as this is a social business, can you explain what the difference is?

Answer: This is a great question! Our business is a special sort of business. It is a Community Benefit Society. It is a very old business model that is having a revival at the moment. We are using the Community Benefit Society model in quite a unique way. Click here to watch a great video that explains what a Community Benefit Society is. 

Question: Do I have to declare any interest made on my tax form?

Answer: We will not deduct tax from any interest paid, so it is your responsibility to declare it on your tax return.

Question: Can I give my shares to someone else?

Answer: The nature of Community Shares is that you cannot give them to anyone once they have been issued to you officially. You can however, sell them back to Secret Projects Community Benefit Society. 

The only situation where a shareholder can pass their shares onto another person is through a will.

Question: Can I get my money out of the business if I need to?

Answer: Yes. Investors can request to withdraw funds in year 2 (if they have not claimed under EIS) or after year 4 if they have claimed EIS tax relief.

As the CBS rule caps aggregate equity that can be repaid to investors at 10% of total equity of the business per year, equity withdrawal request will be processed on a first come first served basis.

To ensure that the interests of all the stakeholders in the organisation are well considered, withdrawal of equity can be suspended by the directors for a period if it is not prudent to pay out.

If you have any unanswered questions, please email invest@secretprojects.org