If you are looking for finance for your business, then London Rebuilding Society may be able to help you. LRS has several loan funds each with different eligibility criteria. We also manage funds on behalf of other organisations.   In general, our loans are intended for soc... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 16:55:49 GMTWhat  is SHIMMER?

SHIMMER is an innovative smart energy and money management system that helps low-income household’s tackle fuel poverty and financial exclusion.
 
It gives users real-time, monetised data about their energy consumption as well as actionable advice to help costumers reduce energy usage and bills.

It also enables users to pay bills and make transactions and offers a range of money management support services.





In the near future users will be able to access SHIMMER from their TV sets and it will be able to link up to telecare services and even help households monitor their Green Deal loans.

Solar PV and SHIMMER have been installed in 18 homes across East London as part of a pil... ]]>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:16:42 GMTRichard is a Partner at Aylesbury Partnerships, which seeks financing solutions for organisations delivering Public Service Contracts.

He spent much of his career within equity research for one of Europe’s largest fund manager focusing on the Insurance Sector.

On leaving the City he took a more entrepreneurial path working as a consultant and advisor to Civil Society Organisations as well as helping to form 3SC as its Finance Director.

• Social Enterprises, Co-operatives and Community Businesses
• Unincorporated Associations and Partnerships
• Reasons to incorporate
• Companies Limited by Shares and by Guarantee
• Industrial and Provident Societies/Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies
• Community Interest Companies
• Cha... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 15:43:26 GMTVolunteers wanted for our new Mutual Aid Fund (MAF) mentoring programme
   

  Min commitment: two half days a month, for 3 months or longer.

   

  Location: across London

   

  This volunteer role involves mentoring and support of the key staff in community organisations which join MAF to become community micro-lenders. 

  For more information about MAF, please visit http://www.londonrebuilding.com/the-mutual-aid-fund

  
  The role will include visiting the mentee group and supporting them with some or all of the following:

  •    putting together a sustainable lending plan (Lending policy),
  •    preparing all the necessary lending documents,
  •    installing and using the... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 01:49:47 GMTLondon Rebuilding Society is continuing to develop new investment funds for London's deprived areas, increasing access to finance for people to create businesses and make positive changes to their environments.
  
  The money you invest will work hard to make London a better place to live.  It will also assist us to leverage grant funds and additional bank loans, so it goes directly where it's needed, and we guarantee that it stays in London. 
  
  If you want to help us help, London you can either invest directly into one of LRS' funds or buy shares and become a member.
   
  London Rebuilding Society's Home Improvement Services and SHIMMER project are currently open for investment. Terms are negotiaited on a case by case basis.  For more information contact naomi.kingsley@londonrebuilding.com.
  
  ... ]]>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:19:07 GMT
  Is the Mutual Aid Fund right for my organisation?
   

  The Mutual Aid Fund could be right for your organisation if you run, work for, or are a member of a community organisation which has: 
  
  • A strong membership base and a close relationship with its members/service users
  • Identified a need for credit amongst its members/service users
  • A strong commitment to, and is ready to invest time and money in, addressing members credit needs 
  
  
  
  Who can join the Mutual Aid Fund?
  
  
  The Mutual Aid Fund is open to not-for-profit, community organizations, particularly those operating in disadvantaged, excluded or migrant communities.  Organisations must be established community grou... ]]>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:24:08 GMT
  
  Mutual Aid Fund (MAF) groups undergo an intense process of training and capacity building before they start lending. By developing member organisations financial capabilities as well as providing access to finance the Project empowers communities to take their economic development into their own hands.
  
  We want to make sure that Mutual Aid Fund groups can continue to serve their members and grow in a sustainable way.　So Mutual Aid Fund member groups form a close and lasting relationship with London Rebuilding Society. 　
    
  
  How does the Mutual Aid Fund work?
  
  1. Preparation
  With LRS support and guidance, the organisation starts ... ]]>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:22:37 GMT 

  Community Microfinance

  The Mutual Aid Fund Project
  
  Mutual Aid Fund is a unique project aiming to increase financial inclusion by enabling community organisations to start a micro loan fund for the benefit of their members. 
  
  Being close to the members and their needs means that the organisation can use the fund to design loan products that are accessible, affordable, and appropriate for their members.  
  
  The lending activity not only enables the organisations to better meet their members' needs, it also helps them move away from grant dependency and towards developing into social enterprises. 
  
  has won the Local Hero category of  Bank of America's Neighbourhood Excellence Initiative (NEI) Awards. Tim Campbell, winner of the apprentice, presented the awards.
  
  "Having come to the UK as a refugee 20 years ago, Grace has dedicated her life to helping the disadvantaged to improve their lives.  In 2005 she founded Latitude Care Network (LCN) charity, now working with vulnerable groups in London and Uganda."
  
  Mayor of Brent Cllr Alsam Choudry also came to see Grace win the award.  LCN provides a range of excellent programmes among others: health and social support, advice and advocacy, counselling, education, training & employment, mutual aid fund/microfinance, international development etc.
  
  The Mutual Aid Fund is an innovative scheme devloped by London Rebuilding Society which enables community... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 12:24:30 GMT
  The funding will be used to devlop an energy efficiency strategy for which adresses the needs of not only buildings but also the people who live in them.
  
  Warren Garrett, head of innovations at London Rebuilding Society said:
  
  "Traditionally, energy efficency has been about improving a building, but given that much of London's stock is 'hard to treat' we need to take a closer look at how we can change the behaviour of households as well.  And that means look at their needs holisitically from  their financial well-being, to their consumption patterns, and their relationship to their local community."
  
  The project will develop an energy efficiency strategy which enables Local Space to make the most of Green Deal, renewable... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 12:03:48 GMT
  Naomi Kingsley, Chief Executive of London Rebuilding Society said:
  
  "Its great to get recognition for the innovative work that LRS is doing.  CDFI's are uniquely placed to achieve social change through innovation. SHIMMER is at the forefront of using technology and business innovations to lift households out of fuel poverty."
  
  5 million households in the UK live in fuel poverty; this is forecast to increase thanks to rising energy prices, an ageing population, and increasing pressures on household incomes.
  
  SHIMMER  (Smart Homes Integrating Meters Money Energy Research), a smart home energy pilot, brings vulnerable and fuel-poor households energy management and income maximisation services, and can help to make financial savings of between £200 and £3,500.
  
  The pilot, involving the Energy Saving Trust, London Rebuilding ... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 11:51:08 GMTLONDON REBUILDING SOCIETY PARTNERS ENERGY SAVINGS TRUST AND EASY TOWN IN GROUND BREAKING PROJECT CALLED SHIMMER

  
  

  Technology that allows consumers to control all the energy usage in their homes in one place is to gain from £3.8m in government funding. ... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 11:52:36 GMTIf you are a homeowner or leaseholder and can say ‘yes’ to at least one of the following, then London Rebuilding Society may be able to help you:
  
  

  • My home is in a state of serious disrepair
  • Someone in my family has a disability a long-term illness that requires adaptations to my home
  • I have a low-income job 
  • I am living on benefits
  • I am 65 or over and receive a state pension
  • I do not qualify for a loan (including Houseproud)
  • I cannot afford the monthly repayments on a loan

  To arrange a meeting or to find out more call 020 7330 0715.

   

   

  
  

  Our Team  

  
  

  Abdus Saleh - Housi... ]]>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:19:24 GMTProper Oils was set up in April 2007 to collect used cooking oil from caterers, refine it to the highest quality biodiesel, and supply it to local organisations for use as fuel. LRS lent £60,000 to provide working capital to operate Proper Oil's first refinery in Twickenham.  Its aim is to replicate the Twickenham operation by setting up small local refineries in other areas. Keeping the operation local in this way produces sustainable benefits whilst still refining a viable amount of oil at each site: 

  • Economic: the amount of money kept in the local economy is maximised and collection/delivery costs are minimised by collecting from local caterers and supplying biodiesel to local customers.
  • Social: 6 local jobs will be provided per refinery and the impact on the local neighbourhood is minimal (only 6 vehicle movements / day).
  • Environmental: operations are local... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 16:14:44 GMT

    Epona was founded in 2002 and produces high-quality fair trade cotton garments (mainly T-shirts, polos and hoodies) for the promotional clothing market.  It was amongst the first companies to receive the Fairtrade Mark (launched in November 2005) for Cotton Certification, and is still the only one focused on promotional clothing. 

    
    It also sells a range of seasonal fashionable clothing under its own name.  Customers include charities, music bands, universities and screen-printers.  It has been particularly successful in the university market.

    
    The social mission of Epona is to improve the working lives of small-scale cotton producers, ensure ethical working practices along the supply chain, and minimise the industry's imprint on the environment.

    
    LRS made a loan of £50k in 2007 for working ... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 11:46:19 GMT

    Euroart is a not-for-profit social-action organisation working through the arts to provide affordable studio spaces, facilities and opportunities for artists and makers, and to create opportunities for people to participate in artistic experiences.  It is committed to bringing contemporary art practice to the local community and beyond, and has a constantly evolving programme of creative work.

     

    Established in 2002 by professional artist/curator Lorraine Clarke and space projects quality engineer Nigel Young, the studios now host some 50 artists/creative businesses who receive various business support services, such as organisation of annual open studios events, off-site exhibitions and provision of information on business and networking opportunities, and business mentoring.

    Green Works is a registered charity and social enterprise which specialises in recycling quality office furniture and equipment (including carpet tiles, fans, heaters, computers and software), at very low cost, to charities, schools, community groups and start-up businesses.

    
    It also offers a bespoke service. Its furniture donors are mainly commercial organisations and government bodies which actively seek to improve their environmental performance and social responsibilities. They can also benefit from Green Works' experienced consultancy team for advice on waste minimisation, recycling and environmental compliance. 

     

    
    
    Contact Details
    
    T: 0845 230 2231 
    F: 020 7785 6469 
    E: info@green... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 09:27:28 GMTVillage Underground is an ambitious project to provide affordable workspace for creatives in Shoreditch and also to transform 4,000 sq. ft. of Victorian warehousing into a multi-functional art, music and cultural centre.

     

    Recycled London Underground train carriages are kitted out using sustainable materials, with carbon-neutral heat and power and eco designed interiors, and there will also be a rooftop garden (the 'village' of Village Underground) with an outdoor cinema and space for live music during the summer.

     

    The four LU carriages have already been raised by crane onto a viaduct high above the streets of Shoreditch. The old warehouse will boast hi-tech, in-house film and photographic facilities, and can also be used to host a variety of cul... ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 12:43:48 GMT

    Equals Training is a new social enterprise, based in the Selby Centre in Haringey, who provide high quality bespoke disability training and consultancy, with an emphasis on mental health issues.

     

    What makes them stand out from other training organisations is that they are led by four professional and experienced women, some of whom also have mental health issues, who have faced similar issues to the people they are targeting.

     

    They are launching their services in November with an inspired new course to help people build their confidence in order to get back to work or take up volunteering.

     

    Contact Details
    
    Angela Salway/No... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 01:08:01 GMTLife Water was founded in 2002 by two Americans, Marilyn Smith and Reed Paget, after hearing a speech by former US President Bill Clinton in which he pointed out that 25% of the planet does not have access to clean water.

    This gave them the idea of launching a locally-sourced bottled water brand - Belu Spring Water - that could also address global water issues. Belu invests 100% of its net profits in clean water projects in developing countries - every bottle of Belu bought in the UK provides clean water for one person for over a month - and in pollution reduction projects in the UK.

    Originally launched in an award-winning glass bottle, Belu is now available in a 'plastic' version, produced from an eco-friendly polymer called NatureWorks®PLA. Made from maize, not only is this a substitute for petrochemical-based plastics, it is a renewable source and it can be commercially comp... ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 20:43:56 GMTSchools Plus manages the letting of school premises outside school hours to community groups, also providing a complete premises management service to schools if required (including for example relief caretaking, cleaning and other essential services).  

    
    Founded in 2004, the organisation currently has 28 major school clients both in the Greater London area and nationally.

    London Rebuilding Society has made a total of £106k in loans to Schools Plus to cover set-up costs for new schools contracts, and thus to finance the growth of the business. 

    
    Contact Details:
    T: 07855 33 00 00
    E: james.woods@schools-plus.org
    W: www.schools-plus.org/
    26 Minford Gardens
    Shepherd's Bush
    London
    W14 0ANThu, 10 May 2012 03:49:41 GMT

     

    Sylvia is a qualified accountant who has developed her career in the private sector in a varied range of roles for companies of small, medium and large size.  In 2001 she joined Fila UK Ltd as a Finance and Operation Director. From 2003 to 2011 she worked as a consultant covering different roles from interim Finance Director to Governance and Compliance.  She recently joined LRS in 2011. 
    
    Sylvia gained her Professional Accounting qualification in Italy where she worked as Financial Controller and Finance Manager for different companies within manufacturing, retail and utilities sectors where she specialised in project roles, company reorganisation and information system implementation before moving to the U.K. in 2001

    E-mail: Sylvia.Cantino@londonrebuilding.com

    ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 13:50:15 GMTNo.  LRS is a not-for-private-profit body, and while we sometimes have to charge for services, at present, we are able to run the MAF project without charging.

    
    

    ]]>Sun, 11 Mar 2012 04:37:57 GMTGreen Oil makes eco-friendly bicycle products.

    Run and founded by Simon Nash, the company has already sold over 10,000 bottles of Green Oil Chain Lubricant, Green Clean Bike Cleaner, Clean Chain Degreaser and Ecogrease.  These biodegradable and non-toxic products are stocked in 100 shops nationwide and have received critical acclaim and many awards.

    Simon started the company with just a single product, The Green Oil Chain Lubricant. He developed this as an alternative to the unhealthy, environment damaging petrol chemical lubricants which frequently contain Teflon.

    As the environmental damage from petrochemical lubricants is a growing issue for cyclists this has been picked up by The Ecologist Magazine in a ‘Look behind the label’ feature.

    Green Oil products are made with essential oils which gives them a pleasant odour and even the bottles are refillable at a discount. He also stocks a number of other green products including solar p... ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 22:17:37 GMTThe house had fallen into disrepair and become unsafe.  It had no central heating, the external doors and windows were badly fitting, draughty and rotten, the loft was inadequately insulated and overall the house was thermally inefficient. 

    
    

    One sibling (a brother and two sisters) had difficulty climbing stairs and getting in and out of the bath. The kitchen was prone to flooding due to poor drainage. Wiring was not professionally installed and there were trailing electrical cables.

    
    

    They were referred to London Rebuilding Society from Social Services, via Age Concern. Social Services had proposed to split the family up and place them in sheltered housing or residential care. The house is the only home the siblings have ever known, they have always lived together and are a strong, mu... ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 01:48:06 GMT
    Learning to Lend is a comprehensive 6-day course on running and managing a micro loan fund, delivered over a period of six weeks.

    
    The course covers topics like micro-finance in the UK and around the world, finance skills for business planning , knowledge of the market & target clients/borrowers, the loan products, interest rates , guarantees, risk assessment and profiling, the loan application process, dealing with defaults,  Consumer Credit Licence, calculating & advertising APR, monitoring and evaluation, etc

    
    All organisations are asked to complete a number of assignments between sessions, involving their staff, volunteers, management committee and members of their community/service users/potential borrowers. During the course, each organisation will develop a lending policy appropriate for their organisation and their members/borrowers.
    
      

    Tue, 08 May 2012 17:48:34 GMT
    There is no legal requirement for a qualification in making loans, but you have to obtain a Consumer Credit Licence from the Office of Fair Trading, which regulates lenders who make loans to individuals (It is illegal to make loans without having a licence and you have to follow the regulations). 

    Members of your organisation will also need to attend our “Learning to Lend” training course in how to run a loan fund.
    
     

    ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 01:56:43 GMT
    

    This depends on many factors, and the organizations are encouraged to work on their own pace. On average, the organizations need 6 to 12 months of preparation before they are ready to start lending. 
    
     

    
    

    ]]>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:27:15 GMT
    This depends on the plan that is agreed before you borrow, but we do not expect loans to be repaid quickly, as the money is being used to lend to your members.  
    
    The period will be specified in the loan agreement between LRS and your group, and is usually 2 to 5 years (inc first year interest-only period).

    
    
    

    ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:54:08 GMTNo, the interest rate is presently 6% per annum on loans to MAF groups, payable each month.  On a loan of £10,000, you would pay about £50 each month.  MAF groups usually charge their borrowers a higher rate than this, so are able to pay our interest easily.
    ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 18:42:45 GMT
    You repay only what you owe.  For a MAF group, we expect no repayments in the first year, and only monthly interest is payable.

    The loan is then gradually repaid over the next 2 to 4 years. 

    
    
    

    ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 06:27:22 GMT
    
    Shares in LRS are withdrawable shares.  A MAF group that has repaid its loan can withdraw its shareholding at any time if it wishes, but may wish to maintain at least the minimum of £250 in the Society to continue in membership.
    
     
    ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 03:48:03 GMT
    LRS is a registered Industrial and Provident Society (I&PS) for the Benefit of the Community, run by its member-shareholders.  Shareholders can be individuals or organisations. The minimum shareholding is £250.  The maximum shareholding allowed (except for other I&PSs) is £20,000. Each shareholder has just one vote, regardless of how much their shareholding is.  Shareholders attend general meetings, and each year they elect the Board of LRS.

    
    
    You can find out more about LRS shares here:
    
    http://www.londonrebuilding.com/membership or 
     
    http://www.londonrebuilding.com/shares-in-lrs
    
    
    

    ]]>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:19:26 GMT
    There are three reasons:
     
    
    
    

    1.LRS wants the MAF organisations to be members of the society.  As shareholders, they own London Rebuilding Society.  Our member organisations take an active role in shaping the Mutual Aid Fund project as well as the wider organisation.

     

     

    2. Building up a shareholding is a way of building up an asset for the organisation.  

     

    3. The shareholding acts as a part-guarantee if you apply for a loan from LRS: the loan that LRS makes to the organisation will be a maximum of four times the shareholding (so, for example, if the group’s shareholding is £1,500, it can borrow up to £6,000). The maximum MAF loan an organisation can apply for is £10,000.
    
     

    ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 06:17:01 GMTA disabled single parent living with four children was the victim of ‘cowboy builders’.

    
    The builders had built an extension which did not meet regulations and created hazards in the home. There was also a serious overcrowding problem. The homeowner is unable to work because of her condition and did not have sufficient savings to pay for repairs.

    
    She was unable to access further finance due to her low income and is too young to qualify for a local authority home improvement grant.

    
    

    The Solution

    
    

    LRS liaised with the local authority to determine their exact requirements before costing the works - which included demolition and rebuilding of the kitchen extension, extensive repair and alteration to the loft conversion and staircase, and replacement of the defective electrical supply.

    
    

    LRS’s contractors carried out all these works quickly and to the upmost quality.  The creation ... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 10:52:33 GMT
    

    Over time her property had fallen into disrepair. Although some of the repairs would be covered by the council’s own improvement scheme, she expressed the wish for a replacement kitchen and bathroom, a replacement boiler, re-plastering throughout, and redecorating and cleaning of the whole property.

    
    

    The homeowner did not want to increase her indebtedness. She also has no family to fall back on. In the end she decided that LRS’ Home Improvement Scheme was the best option for her.

    
    The Solution
    

    LRS completed all the necessary works including designing and installing a new kitchen and bathroom. They also adapted the living area so it could be used as a studio space. The flat is now a serene and calm environmen... ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 15:23:04 GMT
    

    The couple have had numerous financial complications over the years resulting in a serious debt burden which they could not service.  Both have serious life limiting illness and disabilities which they believed to be exacerbated by the stress of their financial position and the state of their home.

     

    The property needed complete refurbishment including rewiring, replacing a rotten bay window, removal of dangerous chimney stacks, installing air and roof ve... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 10:52:59 GMT
    

    A man in his 80s lived alone in what has been the family home since the mid-1930s. Over time he became unable to maintain his home, which after 20 years of neglect, was close to dereliction.

    
    

    He had become socially isolated and had little contact with social services. The windows were broken and some of the roof had fallen in leaving him exposed to the elements. There was extensive fire damage, the staircase was unsafe and there was no central heating, utilities, bathroom facilities or modern appliances.

    
    

    He is a proud man and wants to be self-reliant. Redbridge Environmental Health department tried unsuccessfully to get him to clear his home of rubbish and foliage and have the property repaired since it was a structural hazard to his immediate neighbour.

    If your circumstances change you can repay all or part of the cost to LRS at any time, with no early repayment penalty.

    ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 13:47:55 GMTYes, provided they meet LRS requirements and standards.
    ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 00:22:46 GMTUntil you sign a contract with us, you can change your mind at any time. We ask for your consent before we instruct a valuer and surveyor. We only go ahead to the next stage of the process when you’re ready, so you have all the time you need to consult independent advisors and make sure you feel really comfortable with the scheme.

    If you change your mind and decide to withdraw after that stage has been carried out, you will have to pay the costs of the surveyor and valuer and any administration costs.

    If you do decide to go ahead with the scheme then we will draw up a contract. Once a contract is signed for the works to be done you cannot change your mind.

    ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 13:57:35 GMTThe equitable charge is calculated as set out below.

    Example: Property value after improvements £300,000

    Cost of improvements £30,000

    Percentage equity = (30,000/300,000)x100 = 10%

    Amount to be repaid when the property is sold will be 10% of the proceeds from the sale. So, assuming you sell your property for £300,000, LRS will receive 10% of the proceeds of the sale i.e. £30,000. If the market value you achieve on a sale is more than £300,000 it will be 10% of the larger figure. If it is less than £300,000, LRS will be repaid the actual cost of the works.

    ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 11:58:06 GMTThe total cost depends on the works done but there is no commitment to pay anything until a survey has been carried out. The total cost is agreed before works begin so there are no unwelcome surprises.
    ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 23:51:23 GMTYour property will not be at risk of repossession. You only have to repay the equitable charge on your property when you choose to sell your property or die. Other circumstances in which LRS has the right to recover the costs of the works include: if you leave the property empty, allow it to fall into serious disrepair, attempt to create a mortgage on the property or you are declared bankrupt.
    ]]>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:43:21 GMTThe equity of your property is simply its market value less the total amount of all loans secured on your property.

    Example: Market value of property £250,000

    Mortgage outstanding £180,000

    Improvement loan outstanding £20,000

    Equity = £250,000 – (£180,000 + £20,000) = £50,000

    ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 00:13:40 GMT
    Problems with the property included a drainage problem which kept flooding the downstairs flat, the presence of asbestos and a hazardous kitchen and bathroom.
    
    The solution
    London Rebuilding Society insulated the loft, installed thermal insulation boards, installed a self-condensing boiler and new central heating system, put in a new bathroom with walk-in, sit-down shower and replaced the kitchen.
    
    The homeowner is now healthier and happier in her refurbished home. ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 20:26:22 GMTDetails of your enterprise will be included in LRS's website, with any photos you supply, and in LRS marketing materials and events. All of this is useful for your PR. In return we ask for an acknowledgement of LRS on your website and a link back to the LRS website.
    
    

    
    

    Of course we will be recording your loan repayments in our financial systems, and if there is any difficulty with them we much prefer that you talk to us in advance. We will look at your management accounts every quarter to see how you are doing, and we will contact you annually for information that will help us monitor our impact - for instance jobs created, workforce composition, etc.

    ]]>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:48:16 GMTFor social enterprises and other not-for-profit organisations in social ownership, London Rebuilding Society simply takes a registered charge over the assets. This means that if you fail to keep to the loan agreement, and the whole loan becomes immediately repayable, then it can be repaid by selling everything the company owns.  For private companies, we usually also require a personal guarantee, but we do not take a specific charge over private property such as the homes of directors.
    ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 15:44:23 GMTWe charge an initial Application Fee of £50 which is non-refundable - this can be paid by cheque or by internet banking transfer.  We also charge an Appraisal Fee which is generally about 1½% of the value of the loan but this can vary depending upon the amount of work that is involved for the appraisal.  The Appraisal Fee is payable only if the loan is approved, and is usually deducted from the loan at drawdown; it can also be added on to the loan if you prefer.
    ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 14:31:42 GMTOnce you have gathered together the above documents in a satisfactory form, the process should take no longer than a month from LRS's side.  Any delays are usually because the client does not have the required information and has to go back and find it, or is not prompt in answering any questions that are raised, and of course this makes the whole process longer.
    ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 02:59:58 GMTFirst of all we have to ascertain whether the social objectives of your enterprise fit in with the aims of one of our various lending funds. Then we have to be satisfied that the business is sound and that the loan will be repaid within the proposed term.
      ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 00:31:16 GMTOnce we have checked the quality and completeness of the information you have provided, we will pass your application over to a Loan Officer.
    
    

    The Loan Officer writes a report called a Loan Appraisal; in order to do this, he or she may have to come back to you with further questions. The Loan Appraisal is then reviewed by the Credit Committee which consists of Board members and officers of London Rebuilding Society. The Credit Committee meets once a month and takes the ultimate decision.
    

    ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 01:20:48 GMTLouis covers all areas of communications for London Rebuilding Society.  He is also very involved in the development of the SHIMMER project. 
    
    E-mail: louis.brooke@londonrebuilding.com ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 15:23:52 GMT

    

    Abdus worked as a Financial Advisor for Zurich Advice Network, before moving into Private Banking and working for Barclays International.

    
    

    He has worked on faith based investments (Islamic/Sharia banking) and Socially Responsible Investments (SRI) in the past and saw LRS as an opportunity to make a real difference to peoples' lives.

    
    

    Abdus Saleh's main objective is to ensure the successful development of our housing equity product.

    
    

    Toby Lloyd is a housing and regeneration policy specialist, with wide experience in the voluntary, public and private sectors.  He is currently an Associate Director at Navigant Consulting, where he provides expert advice on housing and wider policy issues to local, regional and national government.

    
    

    After graduating from Leeds University and the London School of Economics he became deputy chief executive of research charity the Henry George Foundation. He then spent two years at London Rebuilding Society, where he developed non-profit equity release p... ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 02:10:44 GMTlana.hersak@londonrebuilding.com ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 09:36:22 GMT

    Warren has had a long and formative career in local government, in economic development and regeneration.

    
    

    Initially as a consultant, working with Pat Conaty, Warren carried out some research funded by Newham Council to identify financial solutions for problems of low income homeowners living in homes in severe disrepair, and co-authored with Pat, Affordable Home Improvement Solutions late in 2002.
    
    His 'Eureka moment' came in 2004, when he came up with the idea of a kind of swap - an equity release loan product for people who are 'equity rich, but cash poor' through which repairs and maintenance services could be offered to people living in unfit housing on low or no income.
    Wed, 16 May 2012 03:08:47 GMT

    Angela Ishmael is the principal consultant and Chief Executive of A I Associates Consulting, an organisation that facilitates projects focusing on progressing the ethos of Diversity and Dignity at Work.

    
    

    This includes activities such as conducting coaching for senior and board level clients, which enables them to lead and sponsor dignity at work initiatives within their organisations.

    
    

    She has conducted a range of equality and di... ]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 13:38:38 GMTNaomi Kingsley is the founder and CEO of London Rebuilding Society.

    
    A lawyer and anthropologist may not seem the most appropriate background for an alternative banker, but it led her to work in economic development for over 20 years, crossing the public, private and community sectors.  It was this experience that provided her with a real understanding of the issues facing London's disadvantaged communities, and formed the springboard of her passion for community development finance, and for LRS.
    
    After a Harkness Fellowship spent researching Community Development Banking in the USA, Naomi returned to the UK with the amb... ]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 11:50:23 GMTEdward is a Partner in the Buzzacott Charity team and has a particular focus on social enterprises alongside a broad range of charities.  He has specialised in the provision of audit and advisory services to the not for profit sector since the early 1990s.

    
    

    Edward is a Partner in the Buzzacott Charity team and has a particular focus on social enterprises alongside a broad range of charities.  He has specialised in the provision of audit and advisory services to the not for profit sector since the early 1990s.

    
    

    Before joining Buzzacott, Edward trained and qualified with BDO Stoy Hayward, where he was a member of the Charity team for many years, and later a Partner... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 13:27:35 GMTLRS in the Media
    Click above for details of LRS Board members and staff contibuting to discussions in the media.
    
    LRS Press Releases
    Press releases issued by LRS or concerning LRS. 
    
    LRS Previous News Stories
    News stories which we have featured previously on this website. ]]>Sun, 05 Dec 2010 13:51:35 GMTAugust 2010 - New research aims to make homes smarter and more energy efficient
    Click here to download
    
    
    October 2009 - LRS wins £30k grant from Barclays
    Click here to download
    
    
    January 2009 - LRS makes its 100th loan to social enterpriseClick here to download
    
    
    May 2008 - Home Improvement scheme case studyClick here to download
    Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:58:00 GMT

    February 2010 - The Guardian - Social Enterprises seeking Finance

    
    

    Bruce Wood, head of London Rebuilding Society's Enterprise Investment Services, talks to the Guardian about the challenges facing Social Enterprises seeking finance and the types of funding available to them. Also featured, Rumbi Tarusenga - head of London Rebuilding Society's Mutual Aid Fund (MAF) and Jane Lanyero from 'Women's Care' discuss how MAF helped Women's Care to diversify its services and become more financially sustainable.

    Read the article here

    October 2009 - LRS wins £30k grant from Barclays

    

    LRS is celebrating after winning a £30,000 grant from Barclays to improve its services to social enterprises in the most disadvantaged parts of the capital.

    The grant will go towards speeding up the handling of loan applications and meeting customer demand, which has increased dramatically over the last 18 months.

    LRS is one of five CDFIs nationwide to receive the £30,000 grant.

    The funding was made available by Barclays in partnership with the Community Development Finance Association (CDFA) to help community ... ]]>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 11:21:57 GMTLondon Rebuilding Society is one of the organisations running the Better Banking Coalition.

    The Coalition campaigns for legislative and regulative changes to the banking system to help ensure that fair and affordable finance is available to all.

    Many people, businesses, and community-based organisations in low-income areas find they are unable to access credit and financial services at fair and affordable rates. This will have more to do with a lack of credit history then their ability to pay back a loan.

    The problem is that financial institutions do not understand the needs and potential of these borrowers, so do not accurately assess the risk they represent. As a result communities with the greatest need for finance and with some of the greatest potential for growth are underserved.

    The figures speak for themselves: ... ]]>Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:22:36 GMTAcceptance of these Terms
    These are the terms for all users of www.londonrebuilding.com ('this site') provided by the London Rebuilding Society ('LRS').

    By using this site you agree to be legally bound by these terms and to the disclaimer and limitation of liability below.  If you do not agree to be bound by these terms you must leave the site immediately.

    We may amend these terms at any time. You should review the terms regularly for changes.  If changes are made to these terms your continued use of this site will be your agreement to the amended terms.

    Use of this site

    The information published on this site (the 'Content') is provided as a convenience to visitors.  It should be used for inform... ]]>Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:44:03 GMTCopyright London Rebuilding Society 2006

    Names, logos, images, information and documents and other materials ('Content') on this website ('LRS Website') are either:

    • the intellectual property of the London Rebuilding Society ('LRS'); or
    • intellectual property licensed to LRS by third parties and are subject to copyrights, trademarks, design rights and other intellectual property rights.

    Content cannot be copied, reproduced or redistributed, in whole or in part without the express permission of LRS.

    Nothing in this notice or in any terms and conditions shall be construed as granting a licence to you or a right by you to use any intellectual property on this site. 

    However we are proud of the work that we do, and of the things that our services enable other organisations to achieve.  We ar... ]]>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:26:04 GMTIntroduction
    

    London Rebuilding Society (LRS) (Industrial and Provident Society Number 29352R) has its registered office at 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4PE, United Kingdom.

    LRS is committed to protecting the privacy of its users and we will only use information received from you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 ('the Act').

    Please read this Privacy Policy before providing us with any information about you or your organisation. This policy (together with our copyright notice and our basic terms and conditions) governs our use of personal data received from you.

    LRS is the data controller for the purposes of the Act.

    Personal Information

    The LRS website does not store or capture personal information about yo... ]]>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:26:35 GMTStatement of Purpose
    

    London Rebuilding Society's goals are to provide fair and equitable financial solutions for London’s communities and to channel investment into communities struggling to access finance from conventional sources.

    
    

    London Rebuilding Society activities in pursuit of this goal involve:

    
    

    • making loan finance available to borrowers
      

    • providing capacity development training to community groups

    • raising equity capital through issuing shares in LRS.

    We will endeavour to operate, in our service delivery, a culture of openness and fairness to investors, borrowers and all stakeholders.  If, however, you are unhapp... ]]>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:01:48 GMTAs a member of London Rebuilding Society you will have a say in its decisions.  Membership is on the basis of  'one member, one vote', regardless of the number of shares held.  Any individual aged 16 or over can become a member of London Rebuilding Society; joint applications are also welcome.

    
    

    In addition to the Annual General Meeting of LRS, members are kept informed of our activities via the Annual Report and Accounts, as well as a regular newsletter.  Copies of the last audited accounts of  London Rebuilding Society Limited are available on request.  Members are welcome to visit London Rebuilding Society's offices during working hours, by appointment.

    
    

    The shares are non-transferable and are not quoted on any stock exchange.  Shares may be withdrawn with a notice period of three months, subject to the minimum investment hold... ]]>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:05:02 GMTShares in London Rebuilding Society have a nominal value of £1; the minimum investment is £250 (which can be paid in instalments), and the maximum holding is £20,000.  There are no charges or fees to pay.

    
    

    LRS is accredited under the government's Community Investment Tax Relief scheme (CITR).  CITR enables us to offer 5% tax relief to higher, basic rate and corporation tax payers who keep their funds invested for five years.  This is a return equivalent to 6.25% gross per annum for basic rate tax-payers, 8.33% for higher rate tax-payers and 7.1% for corporations.

    
    

    For more information about the CITR scheme, please download the guidance document published by the HMRC at :

    http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/specialist/citc_guidance.htm

    Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:29:48 GMT

    Our approach

    
    

    The Home Improvement Scheme enables low-income homeowners whose homes require repairs or adaptations to finance the works they need.

    
    

    Our approach is centred around your needs and circumstances  We manage the entire process to make everything as easy and stress-free as possible whilst you stay in contol of what happens to your home.

     
    London Rebuilding Society is a social enterprise not a commercial business. We aim to find solutions which benefit people and the environment.  

    
    

    How does the scheme work?

    
    Fri, 03 Dec 2010 09:37:18 GMT 

    What is the Home Improvement Scheme?

    
    

    The Home Improvement Scheme enables homeowners who cannot afford to finance the works they need to have their homes fully refurbished.

    
    

    London Rebuilding Society works in partnership with Local Authorities and other agencies to provide a package of works and services tailored to meet your needs and circumstances. We commission an independent survey of your home so you know exactly what works need to be done and how much they will cost. We manage the entire works process and even arrange for any temporary accommodation and storage ... ]]>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:29:00 GMTThu, 02 Dec 2010 20:44:40 GMT

    LRS is supported by the public, private and charitable sectors as well as through investment. Both individuals and organisations can purchase shares in the Society, which adds to our capital fund for lending.  We also generate interest from the funds which are out on loan, and fees from our training and consultancy services.

    
    Funders and Supporters
    London Rebuilding Society would like to thank the following organisations for their support:

    
    

    • Migration Foundation (Metropolitan Support Trust)
    • Barclays... ]]>Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:48:42 GMT

      London Rebuilding Society is a social enterprise that specialises in creating innovative forms of finance which benefit local communities and the environment.  We currently have three main areas of activity:

      
      

      Business Services
      

      We provide loan finance for social enterprises in the Greater London area. This can be anything from a community-based initiative to a private company with social aims - as long as the organisation can show social, ethical or environmental benefit. We also provide training and tailored business consultancy to help organisations create their busine... ]]>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:37:45 GMT

      
      

      
      

      London Rebuilding Society is an Industrial and Provident Society for the benefit of the community, registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965, and is recognised as an Exempt Charity by the Inland Revenue.

      Both individuals and corporate bodies may buy shares in LRS and become members (see Investors link). We operate as a mutual, in other words we are a one-member-one-vote organisation: however many shares held by a member they still have only one vote.  We encourage membership from as wide a base as possible, and our goal is for our membership to be truly representative of all of our stakeholders.  We want individuals and enterprises committed to London to join us in investing in London, and shaping our activities.

      Start-up Finance

      • Unltd
      • Princes Youth Business Trust

      Social Enterprise Organisations

      • SEL (Social Enterprise London)
      • SEC (Social Enterprise Coalition)

      Funding and Finance

      • Business Link Guide
      London Rebuilding Society, itself a mutual not-for-private-profit social enterprise, was established with the commercial objective of becoming a permanent and sustainable institution supporting the growing social enterprise sector.
      
      

      In order to achieve this we set our fees, interest rates and terms and conditions to cover our costs and protect our funds against losses.

      
      

      The interest rate, arrangement fee, and terms and conditions are set separately for each loan. These notes are intended only as a guide for enquirers and form no part of any contract, agreement or offer.

      
      

      Loan Period

      
      

      Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:44:22 GMTWe run a variety of courses and events for individuals and organisations in the Third Sector:
      
      Financial Planning and Management
      

      If you are seeking to understand more about financial planning and management, you can learn about it in our course of workshops.  These are led by our highly experienced in-house trainers, and include topics that particularly relate to clients who are planning to raise finance, develop growth strategies or just run their enterprises in a more business-like way.  

      
      Legal Structures
      

      LRS runs a regular course on Legal Structures for Social Enter... ]]>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:00:22 GMTLRS staff are highly qualified and experienced and can help you in several ways.  Many also serve on the Boards of other organisations, and are used to taking a strategic mentoring role.  Whether you are trying to raise finance, decide how your business will be run, or simply how it could be run better - we can help.  Click here to make an enquiry about  our consultancy services.

      
      Writing a business plan
      

      If you would like help in constructing your business plan we can provide it.  Our team are experienced in assessing loan applications, and ... ]]>Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:05:44 GMTThere is a good summary of what is required for a business plan in the social enterprise section of Business Link in London.
      
      

      If you need help constructing your business plan we can provide it.  Our team are experienced in assessing loan applications, so can help you construct a business plan document that will maximise your chances of obtaining the finance you need, whether that’s from ourselves or from other providers. 

      
      Financial Planning Models
      

      We have built our own simple financial model to help you forecast yo... ]]>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:13:21 GMTIf you are a social, ethical or green enterprise, a social entrepreneur or a voluntary organisation wishing to set up a trading company, London Rebuilding Society can help you in four ways:

      
      
      • Online advice and guidance for business planning and finding finance
      • Training courses for enterprises and those that advise them
      • Consultancy for business planning and management
      • Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:14:35 GMT