AFTER being closed for more than four years, including over three years of fighting off demolition plans and being left nearly derelict, the Raven Inn is coming home to the community who have demonstrated how much they love the beautiful, historic pub.
The Raven cooperative will be holding a public meeting at Culcheth High School at 7.30pm, on Thursday, October 13, not just a public meeting, but also a community share launch event to afford everyone the opportunity to invest in the future of the Raven.
Spokesperson Peter Sturman explained, “We need to raise an optimum amount of £243,000 to renovate and start up the Raven. Community pubs tend to do this by offering their community shares in the enterprise.
“The share offer does give everyone the chance to invest in the future of the Raven.
“There will undoubtedly be people who just want to do their bit to secure the future of the Raven.
“The minimum share investment will be £250 to allow as many people as possible to participate, maximum £25,000.
“Investing in shares makes you a ‘member’ of the cooperative and entitles you to have your say in how the Raven is run.”
There are financial benefits as well.
Under The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), the first £150,000 of shares sold will attract tax relief of 50%, thereafter 30%.
This will apply to all blocks of shares of £1,000 and over.
After three years, if finances permit, all shareholders will receive interest of 5%.
For example, if someone invested £10,000 in the Raven, they could claim half of it back against income tax (assuming they pay at least £5,000 in a tax year). Then after three years they stand to get 5% interest on their original £10,000 investment.
Peter added: “As with all investments, we would urge everyone to study the share prospectus, to acquaint themselves with the details.That prospectus will be available from the 13th of October.”
From that date, the offer will ‘go live’ on Crowdfunder: https//crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-raven-inn-community-pub
In addition, all people investing £500 or more, will be entitled to 10% discount on food and drink at the Raven.
Peter added: “We intend to leaflet every house in Glazebury, Culcheth and Croft as we feel it is vitally important to give everybody the opportunity to do their bit to save the Raven.
“It is our intention to open the Raven next March.
“Whilst we hope the Raven will be ready to receive some patrons before then, we need to be prudent.
“Considering the spiralling energy costs and the traditional ‘quiet time’ in January & February, we feel the responsible thing to do is to get everything ready for next Easter.
“We intend to hold limited events before March, particularly for our founding members and our new shareholders.
“The Raven is indeed coming home. We could not have got to this point without the incredible and sustained support of our community.
“Everybody now has the chance to be a part of this incredible, exciting venture.
“Let’s finish the job!”
