I’ve been running the Semilong Community Exchange from my home since 2018 — quietly, kindly, and without a lot of paperwork. But now, in 2025, it’s time to make things official.
I’m setting up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) — and while I’m no expert, I thought I’d share what the process looks like as I go. If you’re thinking of starting something similar in your area, maybe this will help you feel less alone!
Step 1: Why a CIC?
I knew I didn’t want to become a traditional charity or business. A CIC felt right because:
- It protects the work as a community asset
- It allows me to apply for funding
- It keeps the focus on people, not profit
I want to stay values-led, but I also need to grow — and a CIC gives me that middle ground.
Step 2: Writing the Community Interest Statement
This was the first big task. You have to explain what you do and why it benefits the community. It felt a bit weird writing formally about something that’s been part of my life for years, but here’s what helped:
- I kept it simple and honest
- I focused on inclusion, dignity, and support
- I reminded myself it doesn’t have to be perfect — just real
Step 3: Choosing a Name and Structure
The name was easy — Semilong Community Exchange already existed.
The structure was harder! I’m going for a CIC limited by guarantee with a small board of directors to start with (people who know and believe in the work). I’ll share more about setting that up soon.
Step 4: Registering with Companies House
This bit is still in progress, but I’ve been:
- Checking name availability
- Looking at templates for the Articles of Association
- Working out who’s going to be on the board
Once it’s submitted and accepted, I’ll update this blog with what went well (and what I’d do differently!).
Want to Follow Along?
If you’re setting something up too, feel free to message or connect — I’d love to hear what stage you’re at, or what questions you’ve had to figure out.
This won’t be a polished “how-to” guide — but it will be an honest account from someone doing it alongside everything else in life.
Coming Soon:
✔️ What I learned from filling out the forms
✔️ How I built my team of directors
✔️ Mistakes I made (so you don’t have to)
✔️ First steps once we’re officially registered
Thanks for being here — and thanks for believing in the Exchange.