Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Community Share Offer?

A community share offer is a way for residents to invest in a local project, such as a village pub. By purchasing shares, individuals become co-owners and can have a say in the management of The Ivy.

The Ivy serves as a vital social hub, offering a space for community gatherings, local events, and supporting local jobs. Reviving or sustaining the pub helps preserve the village’s heritage and social fabric.
We aim to raise £750,000 to purchase, renovate, and relaunch the pub. This sum will also cover costs such as building repairs, licenses, and initial operating expenses.

You can invest from as little as £100 to a maximum of £20,000. The aim is to make the offer accessible to as many people as possible while raising the necessary funds.

Investors receive shares in the pub, giving them partial ownership. While the primary return is supporting the community, investors may eventually receive interest on their investments if the pub ultimately makes a profit. We are also hoping to secure tax benefits for investors, though that will need HMRC approval and be subject to their rules.

We have successfully applied to HMRC for our proposals to qualify for tax relief on the purchase of shares. We have received from HMRC advance assurance that the venture is eligible for the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).

However, your eligibility is dependent on your personal situation. We have put together a guide which you can read here: Friends of The Ivy Tax Relief Information. Please note that we are not specialists in this area and you should seek the advice of a tax advisor if you wish to take advantage of these schemes.

The pub will be managed by a professional team with oversight from a board elected by the shareholders. This ensures both professional operation and community representation in decision-making.
If we do not reach our fundraising target, the project will not proceed as planned, and all investments will be returned in full to investors.
Community shares are typically a long-term investment. They cannot be traded like conventional equities, but in some cases, they can be sold back to the society or transferred with Management Committee approval. Under our rules it will not be possible to apply for investments to be returned for at least three years, and even then applications will be subject to the Management Committee’s approval and any HMRC rulings that may apply.
As with any investment, there is a risk that you may not get your money back. However, because this is a community-focused project, the primary aim is sustainability rather than high financial returns.

You can participate by purchasing shares through our official share offer. For more details, and to keep up to date with all developments, please tell us you want to stay updated.

If you have any other questions, then please contact us.
Twiglet, a much-loved resident of Heddington, perches on the windowsill at The Ivy

Next Public Meeting

Friday 27 September in Heddington Village Hall at 7:30 pm.

It may be postponed if flooding continues to cause
difficulties getting in/out of the village

Days
Hours
Minutes