For the past 3 years, Worcester Angling Academy has traded as sole trader status.

 

Having applied for and won several small local community grants, we were asked to tender for a £12k bid by the Worcestershire Community Foundation that had funding from the ESF (European Social Fund).

The Academy submitted its application, and was asked to attend in person before the awarding panel.

They were impressed by our application, how it was written and particularly intrigued as to how `fishing` and the Sports Leaders Level 1 award would work.

 

The Academy was founded around teaching and coaching fishing, but we have found that `fishing` can be used as the `vehicle` to reach more target groups with diverse needs.

Our bid was aimed at working with the over 19 age group who are unemployed and economically inactive people who face barriers to employment.

Having delivered many of the Sports Leaders awards, I have seen the effect that these courses have had on all ages and abilities, as it gives them increased confidence, communication skills, team building and a sense of achievement.

 

The panel were 100% behind our project, but were a little apprehensive as to our sole trader status.

Advice was taken from the experts on the panel, and following a meeting of our coaches and volunteers, we applied for Community Interest Company status.

This involved applying to Companies House with our aims and objectives, along with memorandum and articles of association.

We are now incorporated under the Companies Act of 1985 a ; private company, the company is limited, and that it is a Community Interest Company.

We re-applied for the ESF funding, and were accepted, with contracts exchanged on the 12th of May 2009.

Becoming a CIC company has meant we have now stepped up a gear, and found that we are attracting more funding streams, and also sponsors.

Despite the recession, the Academy continues to grow, and we now have a waiting list for new committee members wishing to join our newly formed company.