Colour Run at Craughwell AC, Galway. The largest Juvenile Athletic Club in Ireland accessed a loan from Community Finance (Ireland) to match local fundraising in the acquisition and development of their new Athletic Grounds. Social Impact and Financial Highlights 2016
22 million LOANS APPROVED TO CHARITIES AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISES 2007 2016
Chairman s Report Over the last 15 years, Community Finance (Ireland) and our parent company Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT), has provided funding to over 400 community organisations, charities and social enterprises. This has helped create employment, attract investment, bind communities and stimulate economic activity, in areas often marked by social or economic deprivation. During 2016, Community Finance (Ireland) approved loans of just over 2.9 million to 30 third sector organisations across a wide range of sectors, geographies and communities. In many cases, absent the support of Community Finance (Ireland), our clients would have struggled to achieve their investment ambitions. Following a very successful rebranding exercise, 2016 saw Community Finance (Ireland) embark on a fresh recruitment drive, culminating in the addition of a number of executives with Senior Lending backgrounds located strategically across the region. Our aim is to expand our business by supporting the work of an increasing number of third sector organisations, helping them increase their impact or sustain their activities. In Northern Ireland, our parent company Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT), approved 40 loans to an aggregate equivalent of 4.5m. This brings the UCIT Group s total loan commitments, since the drawdown of our first facility back in 2001, to approximately 91 Million. In response to the need to further develop and widen the provision of social finance to the third sector in Northern Ireland, UCIT together with Building Change Trust have put in place a new 350,000 loan finance initiative. Building Change Trust was established in 2008 by the Big Lottery Fund with a National Lottery grant of 10 million. This new fund provides small unsecured loans of 1,000-25,000 to assist the needs of smaller community based organisations who undertake so much important work in all areas of our society. I am also very pleased to report that Belfast Charitable Society has committed a further 350,000 to this fund and together with a contribution from UCIT has allowed it grow to 1 million. Belfast Charitable Society is one of Belfast s oldest and one of its most respected charities and UCIT is proud to be associated with it. In December 2016, the NI Economy Minister Simon Hamilton MLA congratulated the NI Small Business Loan Fund as it hit more than 5 million in new loans. The Small Business Loan Fund was launched just over four years ago to provide access to finance for small businesses, sole traders and partnerships which are keen to develop their business, but find it difficult to access funding through traditional sources. It is managed by our subsidiary company Ulster Community Investment plc (UCI) on behalf of Invest Northern Ireland. It is estimated that the Small Business Loan Fund has helped its clients generate an extra 26.5m in sales and create 144 new jobs across 260 companies which is a small but important step in helping the NI economy to grow. In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to the Social Finance Foundation which provides the main source of capital for Community Finance (Ireland) and without their support we could not possibly develop our business as rapidly as we have. Our business relationship with the Foundation is as solid as ever, underpinned by a record of sustainable lending decisions, exemplified by a strong portfolio and healthy pipeline. With a committed Board and a shared ambition across the staff team to drive the business forward we look forward to great things in 2017. Alan Moneypenny, Chairman Community Finance (Ireland) Ltd. Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd. (UCIT)
Oxfield Sports Centre accessed a Bridging Loan to upgrade the existing Sports Centre at Drumcliffe, Sligo.
Chief Executive s Report SMEs and social enterprises play a central role in Ireland s economy, yet it is proving increasingly difficult for organisations in these sectors to secure finance from traditional sources. During 2016, Community Finance (Ireland) approved loans of 2.9 million to 30 third sector organisations. By way of brief example, we provided NEWKD (North East and West Kerry Development) with a loan to facilitate the purchase of additional premises and to finance capital upgrades. NEWKD was established with the central aim of promoting respect, equality and inclusion through a range of innovative social and economic programmes including job clubs, social inclusion programmes and a maintenance service for the elderly. The new property will further strengthen the impact of NEWKD on local development by expanding its services to a wider community. IRD Kiltimagh was established in 1989 with the aim of undertaking development in the Kiltimagh area of County Mayo. Since this time they have added substantial value to the small local economy by establishing 3 enterprise centres, numerous social housing units and creating over 100 jobs. A loan to IRD Kiltimagh Ltd will enable the organisation to continue to assist business growth in the local and surrounding areas. In County Clare, we provided Killaloe/Ballina Family Resource Centre (KBFRC) with a loan to safeguard the future of this valuable community hub which offers a range of services including training and education, youth work and parental support. We were also pleased to assist a number of sports clubs during the year with funding to improve or construct new clubhouses and facilities. These include Ballyhea GAA Club (Cork), Colga FC (Galway) and Illies Golden Gloves Boxing Club Company (Donegal). Our operating activity grows year on year, with 2016 continuing this upward trend. This is expected to continue with the appointment of two further team members Rose Hally in the Connaught/Munster region and Barry Symes in the South Dublin/Leinster area. We wish them well in their new roles in Community Finance (Ireland). Our clients and many of the support agencies have commended us for our flexible approach to lending, most notably the move away from the imposition of arrangement fees in the Republic, and our nimble decision making process which now sees up to 80% of our transactions receive final decisions within a matter of days. I would like to express my gratitude to the Social Finance Foundation who are the main source of capital for Community Finance (Ireland). In Northern Ireland, our parent company Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT), approved 40 loans to an aggregate equivalent of 4.5m. We were delighted to further extend our reach by partnering with the Building Change Trust and Belfast Charitable Society in the development of a 1m finance initiative to help us meet much needed demand for smaller unsecured loans from within the third sector. The loan fund aims to match the needs of local communities, and be flexible and responsive in its delivery. I am delighted to say a number of organisations have already availed of this facility. Our successful management of the 5 million Small Business Loan Fund on behalf of Invest Northern Ireland has ensured over 260 loans were provided to date. Our economy is critically dependant on small business, and access to finance is central to its ability to survive and grow. The Small Business Loan Fund has encouraged business growth through new product development, export sales and employment. In conclusion, I wish to thank our staff and the Directors on our Boards for their continued commitment in making Community Finance (Ireland) and UCIT the successful organisations they are today. Harry McDaid, Chief Executive Community Finance (Ireland) Ltd. Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT)
Achievements 2016 2.9M loans approved to 30 organisations in Republic of Ireland 4.5M loans approved to 40 organisations in Northern Ireland Achievements 2001-2016 91M Loans approved to over 400 charities, community organisations and social enterprises
Distribution of our Third Sector borrowers 22M RoI Loan approvals 2007-2016 69M NI Loan approvals 2001-2016
Case studies Republic of Ireland Third Space Dublin s redevelopment in the early 21st century produced new living spaces and new working spaces but few neighbourhood gathering spaces few third spaces. Third Space is a social business venture set up to open and run eating and meeting places in the redeveloped areas of Dublin that lack community hubs. By day, Third Space provides a welcoming inexpensive eating hub for residents and workers. In the evening the premises provide valuable space for local groups to gather for a wide range of cultural and community activities. "Community Finance (Ireland) has been a real help to us. A one stop shop for social enterprise funding at rates and timescales that understand our needs - we would highly recommend them..." Tom Slattery, Director, Third Space Ltd Photo: Third Space, a social business venture set up to open eating and meeting places in the redeveloped areas of Dublin that lack community hubs
Illies Golden Gloves Boxing Club acquired a loan facility from Community Finance (Ireland) to upgrade their premises Illies Golden Gloves Boxing Club Company Ltd Illies Golden Gloves Boxing Club is a community based, non - profit organisation, which aims to foster a culture and an environment that encourages participation in boxing, identifies talent and supports all to reach their full potential. Since opening in 1998, the Club have boasted considerable success with many of their boxers winning Donegal (112), Ulster (65) and National (30) titles. The group acquired a loan facility from Community Finance (Ireland) to upgrade their premises. The new modernised facilities will host international tournaments, health and fitness classes and training, serving to further strengthen the social impact of the club and its successes. Going back five years, the Committee realised that the Club had outgrown their existing premises at the Old School house and began looking for an alternative facility. Thankfully, through a lot of perseverance and guidance from the staff at Community Finance (Ireland) we were able to finance a new premise at Lisfannon with an array of facilities to cater for a range of abilities. On behalf of the club, I sincerely wish to thank Community Finance (Ireland) for all their assistance in getting us to where we re at today. Sadie Duffy, Hon. Secretary, Ulster Boxing Council IABA
Bundoran Community Childcare Bundoran Community Childcare provides affordable, quality childcare, with day-care, pre-school, afterschool services and out of school camps to meet the development needs of children and support parents in Bundoran and the surrounding areas. The loan from Community Finance (Ireland) has enabled us to continue to offer this invaluable service to our community. The application process was straight forward and easy to understand and we found Donal and his team exceptional to work with. Louise McGrath, Manager, Bundoran Community Childcare Colour Run at Craughwell AC Colour Run at Craughwell AC, Galway. The largest Juvenile Athletic Club in Ireland accessed a loan from Community Finance (Ireland) to match local fundraising in the acquisition and development of their new Athletic Grounds. The support and encouragement we received was incredible and it was matched with the key finance we needed to complete our next phase of development. With Community Finance (Ireland), our dreams will become a reality. Michael Tobin, Facility Development Officer Craughwell Athletic Club
Our Investment in the Third Sector Arts & Heritage Enterprise & Workspace Sports 2.7M into 27 organisations 18M into 78 organisations 7M into 53 organisations Childcare Faith/Church Education & Training 1.3M into 16 organisations 2.5M into 9 organisations 2.8M into 23 organisations Community Services Housing Environment Tourism 7.8M into 71 organisations 2.7M into 10 organisations 2.2M into 12 organisations 5.6M into 36 organisations
Case studies Northern Ireland Pictured are Harry McDaid, Chief Executive of UCIT and Community Finance (Ireland) and Harry Latimer, Chief Operating Officer, Blythswood Ireland Ltd. at the organisation s warehouse in Ballyclare Blythswood Ireland Ltd Community Finance (Ireland) and our parent company UCIT have supported a number of existing or past clients with new or increased loan facilities to enable them further expand their enterprises, increase their workforce or increase their social impact. Blythswood Ireland Ltd has received four loans from UCIT over the past six years aggregating 683,000. These have been used to purchase warehousing and to open shops across Northern Ireland, most recently in Ballymoney. Blythswood Ireland currently has 17 full-time employees, four part-time employees and a sizeable volunteer base. Since 2010 the support we have received from UCIT has been incredible. The loans have eased the pressure on the charity financially and allowed us to focus on providing help to those that need it most here in Northern Ireland and in our overseas projects. We currently have seven retail outlets across the eastern region of Northern Ireland. The latest round of funding from UCIT allowed us to purchase a shop unit in Ballymoney together with an adjoining vacant unit and adjacent ground with planning permission. In order for us to help more people in need, we need the generosity of people and the support of organisations such as UCIT. Harry Latimer, Chief Operating Officer, Blythswood Ireland Ltd.
Cookstown Enterprise Centre Cookstown Enterprise has been supporting small business development in Mid Ulster for almost a quarter of a century. A core area of the company s business is the provision of business accommodation to rent for local start-up and expanding enterprises. With the assistance of a loan from our parent company UCIT, the organisation has purchased and brought back into use a vacant and derelict town centre building. Mary Monaghan, Property Manager at Cookstown Enterprise, confirmed: With the support from UCIT, today the ground floor houses four separate business ventures with further commercial and residential accommodation located on the first and second floors. This is an innovative and extremely successful property development project supporting the retail and service sector locally. The directors, management and staff at Cookstown Enterprise would wish to thank the Board of UCIT for offering the loan facility and supporting the continual development of the organization in the Cookstown and Mid Ulster region. Jim Eastwood, General Manager Cookstown Enterprise Centre Photo: Helen Flowers, a small business located within Cookstown Enterprise s town centre development
Third Sector Loan Approvals 2016 Republic Of Ireland Hook Heritage Ltd O Cualann Housing Alliance Bailieborough Shamrocks GAA Club New Ross Community Hospital Ballintubber GAA Club Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Birr Development Company Ltd O Cualann CoHousing Alliance Cork Counselling Services Ballyhea GAA Club Craughwell Athletic Club Hospitality Hand on Heart Training Centre CLG Dungarvan United AFC Philipstown Community Centre Brickens Logboy Tulrahan Housing Association Ltd Strokestown Community Playgroup Ltd Ballyfermot Family Resource Centre Ltd Mount Nugent GFC Steadfast House Ltd Thirdspace The Linenhall Arts Centre Company Ltd Crusheen GAA St Matthews Boxing Club Ltd Rosslare Harbour Railway Social Club Lough Lene Gaels GAA Club Mullagh Community Park Development Ltd Abundant Life Christian Church BASIC Child Care Centre Ballinamere GAA Club Oxfield Sport Centre Ltd John F Kennedy Trust Ltd Northern Ireland Community Arts Partnership Bloody Sunday Trust Avert Enterprises Limited Ti Chulainn Ltd Ballyvea Football Club Forkhill & District Development Association An Muileann CIC Nos na Gaoithe VOYPIC/Include Youth Workspace (Draperstown) Ltd Ardoyne Youth Enterprises Stewartstown Road Regeneration Project Limited Exceed Worldwide The Resurgam Community Development Trust Shorts Sports & Recreation Club Brocagh and District Regeneration Group Ltd Slackpress Youth Sport Omagh Feile an Phobail Down Business Centre Richhill Buildings Preservation Trust Love Hockey Ireland Rathgael Gymnastics and Tumbling Club Annaclone GFC Fintona Regeneration Initiative Ltd Strabane Training Services Ltd Loughgall FC The Brain Injury Foundation Bogside and Brandywell initative Springfield Charitable Developments Specialisterne NI CIC Sticky Fingers Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club Portaferry Sailing and Social Club Ballygalget GAC East Belfast Enterprise 174 Trust Step by Step NI
NI Small Business Loan Fund ( 5M Loan fund managed by UCIT on behalf of Invest Northern Ireland) At December 2016 5.4M Total volume of loans provided 264 Number of loans dispersed 20,583 Average loan amount Loans approved by County DERRY /LONDONDERRY FERMANAGH 14 39 39 105 ANTRIM 60 279 Total number of loans approved 22 ARMAGH DOWN TYRONE 202Existing businesses 77Start up businesses
The Northern Ireland Small Business Loan Fund is managed by Ulster Community Investment plc (UCI) on behalf of Invest Northern Ireland. During 2016, Belfast-based Teamwear Ireland received another 27,000 from the Fund to support future growth.
Directors and Staff Directors Republic of Ireland Alan Moneypenny, Chair Chair of Finance and Audit committee, Riverside Theatre Dermot McGale Retired Regional Director of First Trust Bank Henry Brennan General Manager, Coolock Community & Enterprise Campus CLG Paddy Harte Economic and Social Development Consultant Member of the Board of the International Fund for Ireland Director of Comhaltas Dhrioghlainne Chontae Dhún na ngall Teo Kevin Helferty Director of Buncrana Credit Union Ltd Jim Malone Director/Founder Member of Ardee Community Development Company Dr Arthur Mitchell MBE Founder Trustee/Director of Mourne Heritage Trust Michael McGarrigle Secretary of Council for the West Seamus O Prey Chief Executive of ORTUS Group Andrew Ward Joint CEO Inishowen Development Partnership Directors Northern Ireland Alan Moneypenny Chair Chair of Finance and Audit committee, Riverside Theatre Damian McAteer Vice-Chair Director of Waterside Development Trust Dermot McGale Retired Regional Director of First Trust Bank Seamus McAleavey Chief Executive of NICVA Dr Arthur Mitchell MBE Company Secretary/ Founder Trustee/ Director of Mourne Heritage Trust Thelma Armstrong MBE Board Member of Ulster Provident Housing Association Erskine Holmes OBE Chair of Lagan Navigation Trust Jim Malone Director/Founder Member of Ardee Community Development Company Audrey Murray MBE* Business Development Manager of LEDCOM Michael McGarrigle Secretary of Council for the West Douglas McIldoon Secretary of NI Co-operative Forum Seamus O Prey Chief Executive of ORTUS Group William Patterson* Chief Executive of Greater Shankill Community Council Aidan Sloane* Head of Training, Belfast Met *Resigned from the Board during the year of 2016 Republic of Ireland Community Finance (Ireland) Donal Traynor Associate Director Marie Carpenter Office Administrator Rose Hally Client Relationship Executive Barry Symes Client Relationship Executive Northern Ireland UCIT Harry McDaid Chief Executive Barry Connolly Finance Director Phelim Sharvin Associate Director Sandra Cowan Office Manager Trudi Dunbar Marketing Executive Emma Thompson Personal Assistant/Administrator
Accounts 2016 UCIT - Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities for year ended 31 December 2016 2016 2015 000 000 Incoming resources 976 912 Charitable activities (797) (725) Net operating income 179 187 Bad debts (provided) / recovered (71) 76 Foreign exchange movement 183 (69) Net movement in funds 291 194 UCIT - Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2016 2016 2015 000 000 Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 9 Investments 180 195 188 204 Current assets Debtors: amounts falling due after more than one year 12,416 10,784 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 3,260 2,796 Cash at bank and in hand 4,118 3,860 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (923) (808) Net current assets 18,871 16,632 Total assets less current liabilities 19,059 16,836 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (3,515) (1,584) Net assets 15,544 15,252 Funds of the Charity Share capital 24 22 Unrestricted income funds 15,520 15,230 Total charity funds 15,544 15,252
Third Space, a social business venture set up to open eating and meeting places in the redeveloped areas of Dublin that lack community hubs "Community Finance (Ireland) has been a real help to us. A one stop shop for social enterprise funding at rates and timescales that understand our needs - we would highly recommend them..." Tom Slattery, Director, Third Space Ltd
Community Finance (Ireland) Unit 16, Ardee Business Park Hale Street, Ardee, Co Louth, A92 XN79 Tel/Fax +353 (0) 41 6858637 www.communityfinance.ie Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd (UCIT) 13-19 Linenhall Street Belfast, BT2 8AA T +44 28 9031 5003 F +44 28 9031 5008 E: info@ucitltd.com www.ucitltd.com Community Finance (Ireland) is listed as an accredited Social Lending Organisation with the Social Finance Foundation. Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd ( UCIT ) is an Industrial & Provident Society (IP No. IP374) and is registered as a charity in Northern Ireland (Charity No. NIC100325). Ulster Community Investment Plc ( UCI Plc ) (Company No. NI030229) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 589719) and has Interim Permission to perform Consumer Credit Lending (IP No. 652674). NI Small Business Loan Fund LP ( NISBLF LP ) is a Limited Partnership (NL000075). It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has Interim Permission to perform Consumer Credit Lending (IP No. 665534). The registered address of UCIT, UCI Plc, and NISBLF LP is 13-19 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8AA. Ulster Community Investment Trust (Ireland) Ltd t/a Community Finance (Ireland) (Company No. 544901) is registered as a charity in the Republic of Ireland (Charity No. 20044619) and it s registered address is Unit 16, Ardee Business Park, Hale St, Ardee, Co. Louth.