Legal / Governance
White Swan Music and Arts is a Charitable Community Benefit Society (CBS).
In short: this legal structure means The White Swan will be run for the community, by the community. No private owner. No quick sell-off. Just a thriving music and arts space, with a thriving pub, for the long term.
Charitable Community Benefit Society (CBS)
White Swan Music and Arts (WSMA) is a Charitable Community Benefit Society (CBS), registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
That means:
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We are owned by our members – people like you who buy a £25 share.
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Every member gets one vote, no matter how many shares they buy.
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We are non-profit – all income is reinvested in our aims.
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We can only carry out activities that support our charitable objectives: reopening The White Swan as a community pub and arts venue, and improving local cultural life.
Shares
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£25 each – one share, one vote.
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Shares are non-transferable and non-withdrawable.
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Anyone over 16 can be a shareholder – individuals or organisations.
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The money raised from shares is unrestricted – it goes towards buying and restoring the pub.
Donations
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Donations are gifts that go directly towards our campaign.
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UK donations are eligible for Gift Aid, meaning an extra 25% from HMRC at no cost to you.
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Donations can be one-off or regular, and can come from anywhere in the world.
Tax & Benefits
Our charitable status brings important advantages:
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No stamp duty on property purchase.
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No tax on profits from trading or rental income.
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80% discount on business rates.
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VAT exemptions and rebates on some works.
Our Board
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Elected by members at the AGM.
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Sets the vision and ensures we stay true to our aims.
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Cannot be paid – we’re here for the cause, not for profit.
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Find out more about our team.
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