Many organisations start off as unincorporated associations or informal groups and whilst these organisations have the advantage of being able to support the community without the formalities of either charities or Community Interest Companies (CICs), their informal status means that they are sometimes not able to apply for funding which will allow them to cover their running costs or expand to meet the demand within the community.  

One example of the impact of this was Beast Boxing, a not for project initiative in Watford with an emphasis on fitness and technical boxing skills, they promote learning in a safe and friendly environment to enhance both physical and mental well-being and personal development. With an increased demand for their services and increased costs due to the cost of living crisis, Beast Boxing Academy were referred to us to discuss becoming an incorporated organisation.  

As a result, we met the team behind Beast Boxing Academy earlier this year to better understand their challenges and how through additional funding, they would be able to cover their costs and increase the number of children and young people they are able to support.  

We then explained to them that they had different options, becoming a charity or becoming a CIC, and that both options had different benefits and drawbacks, and that our role would be to guide them to the most suitable option. Through these discussions, the Beast Boxing Team felt that a CIC would be the most appropriate as it was quicker to establish and would allow them to apply for specific funding. Additionally, the team felt they lacked the experience required to run a charity and the greater level of reporting required of a charity also contributed to this decision.  

As a result, we then worked with the team to complete the various documents needed to be submitted to establish a CIC and to ensure that all other aspects were resolved including policies, insurance and bank accounts. As a result and after a few tweaks to the final documents, the application was submitted and a few days later, confirmation of Beast Boxing Academy’s CIC status was confirmed.  

Founder and director of Beast Boxing Stuart East thanked W3RT CVS for their support during the process and said that ‘he was grateful for their guidance during the process and answering any questions we had. This allowed us to feel confident in becoming a CIC knowing that in the long run, the company will be in a stronger and more sustainable position as a result.’ 

We look forward to working with Beast Boxing Academy over the coming months, helping them establish themselves as a CIC and supporting them to meet the demand within the community. You can find out more about Beast Boxing Academy by visiting their website here.  

W3RT CVS provides a range of free support to voluntary and community organisation in the Watford and Three Rivers area thanks to funding from Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council. You can find out more about our services by clicking here and if you or your organisation would like support, get in touch by emailing [email protected]