Grass Roots Renewables received a £250k loan from UCIT to fund a wind turbine outside Maghera

The lender for the third sector in Northern Ireland

Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) is a Charity which provides loans exclusively to other third sector organisations such as community groups, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises in Northern Ireland. Since 2001 we’ve committed in excess of £80 million to over 380 organisations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Visit our Impact Map to find out more about the projects we have funded. To discover more about our lending activities in the Republic of Ireland, please visit the Community Finance Ireland website.

£80 million

Loans approved 2001-2017

UCIT provided start-up funding to Folktown CIC for a new farmer’s & artisan market in Belfast

About us

Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) is a Charity which provides loans exclusively to other third sector organisations such as community groups, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises in Northern Ireland. Since 2001 we’ve committed in excess of £50 million to over 360 organisations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

UCIT was established in response to decreasing grant support from government and the difficulties experienced by community organisations in accessing commercial loan facilities. Start-up funding was received from LEDU (Invest NI) and the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) along with a £6.6m loan book from IFI, Department for Social Development and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

In 2007 UCIT received accreditation from the Social Finance Foundation, Dublin, to enable the organisation to access a fund for investment south of the border. To read more, please visit the website of our sister company, Community Finance Ireland.

During 2012 UCIT's fund management company, UCI plc, achieved Financial Conduct Authority accreditation and the organisation was awarded the management of the £5 million NI Small Business Loan Fund by Invest Northern Ireland.

As a registered charity, all profits generated by UCIT are retained and recycled for reinvestment into the third sector.

Projects supported:

Read more about the impact UCIT funding is having by visiting our Client Map to see how your local charities and community organisations are using UCIT loans to make a bigger impact.

385 community

Projects funded

Loans

Who do we lend to?

We lend exclusively to Community organisations, charities and social enterprises, both large and small, located in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Our borrowers include Faith-based initiatives, Sports Clubs, Training initiatives, Childcare schemes, Housing associations, Community transport schemes, Rural development projects and many more…

Finance is available for: buildings and equipment, working capital, cash shortfalls, bridging finance against delayed grants or other confirmed income and restructuring of debt.

Interest Rates - UCIT Interest rates are competitive and depend on the individual circumstances of each borrower.

Repayment Term - UCIT provides both long-term loans and short-term bridging finance. Loan terms are tailored to suit each borrower.

No penalties - UCIT does not penalise against early repayment of loans

Loan size - UCIT loans typically range from £25,000 - £500,000 +

If you would like a chat about whether a loan is the right option for your organisation, our lending team can provide advice and know how gained from many years of involvement within the sector in Northern Ireland. The lending team can be contacted on Tel: 028 90315003.

As a registered charity, all profits generated by UCIT are retained and recycled for reinvestment into the third sector.

Building Better Futures Loan Fund

UCIT are delighted to provide a new loan fund for community groups, voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises. The scheme which is being jointly funded by Building Change Trust, Belfast Charitable Society and UCIT provides small, unsecured loans ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. The loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, including buildings and repairs, purchase of equipment, making facilities more energy efficient or funding shortfalls in larger grant assisted projects. The Building Change Trust was established in 2008 by the Big Lottery Fund with a National Lottery grant of £10million as an investment for community capacity building and promotion of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. Belfast Charitable Society was established in 1752 to tackle disadvantage and poverty and in doing so it built the Poor House and Belfast's first Infirmary, which remains as Clifton House. Today, the Society continues to work to tackle disadvantage and promote philanthropy while sharing its vast heritage with others.

Further information about the scheme is available by contacting UCIT on Tel: 028 9031 5003.

£2.5 million

Invested in Arts & Heritage projects

UCIT provided Slack Press with working capital support to help them upscale their social enterprise

Applying for a loan

Our lending team welcome the opportunity to discuss the suitability of loan finance for your project and to answer any questions you might have. The lending team can be contacted on Tel: 028 9031 5003.

The UCIT lending process is simple and straightforward:

If your project appears suitable for loan finance, we will ask you to fill in a short application form.

Once we receive your completed application, a member of our lending team will contact you to arrange a meeting in order to further develop your proposal.

Upon completion, your business proposal will be submitted to UCIT's Lending and Investment Committee for approval.

Click on the link below to download the loan application form.

Complete the form and then print it out, sign, date and return it to UCIT.

Alternatively, call or email us and we will be happy to send you a loan application form and guidelines.

£15.4 million

Invested in Enterprise projects

UCIT provided a loan to Foyle Women’s Aid to enable them to undertake crucial refurbishment work

Customer stories

UCIT loan finance has supported job creation, community engagement and economic development in many towns and villages in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Explore our Impact Map to find out more about the projects we have funded.

Bangor Football Club

Bangor Football Club received a £250,000 loan from UCIT to assist with the installation of a 3G pitch at its home ground at Clandeboye Park. It is planned that the improved facilities will enable the club to establish a Soccer Academy, allow for greater use by the wider community, and help deliver financial sustainability.

“These new facilities are an important part of securing our long-term financial future and strengthening the connection between the club and its local community. UCIT’s support has been instrumental in making this happen.” Trevor Best, Chairman, Bangor Football Club

Broughshane and District Community Association

"Our involvement in the Pilot Community Asset Transfer Scheme enabled us to develop a strong partnership with Ballymena Borough Council, (now Mid and East Antrim Council), DTNI, DSD, NIHE and Triangle Housing Association to finance and complete a feasibility study and Business plan for the development of the former Broughshane Police Station site. We are delighted that we are currently in the process of purchasing the Station, thanks to the financial support from Mid and East Antrim Council and a loan from Ulster Community Investment Trust." Sandy Wilson, Vice-Chairman, Broughshane and District Community Association

Landmark East

"We are focused on the regeneration of east Belfast. There are a number of derelict and vacant properties on the Newtownards Road that we feel can be transformed to improve the overall look of the area. The new development will help increase footfall in the area which in turn will help traders.

"Financing regeneration projects in the present climate is a real challenge. UCIT have been extremely supportive of our plans to revitalise the area. The redevelopment would not have been possible without their assistance." Maurice Kinkead, CEO, East Belfast Partnership

Resurgam Community Development

"There are people in the area struggling for employment, especially the young. We are giving them an opportunity to learn the skills they will need to find a job. For us it is all about jobs and we have already created over 100 jobs across our six enterprises, contributing £1.7m in salaries to the local economy.

“All profits raised through the business are reinvested back into the company or directly into the community, particularly the health and education sector. UCIT have been extremely supportive of our work and the second loan secured from them is a sign of confidence in our latest project." Adrian Bird, Director, Resurgam Community Development

Workspace Group

Workspace Group, one of Northern Ireland’s leading Local Enterprise Agencies, received a tailored working capital facility from UCIT to fund the expansion of Therm Tech, which it acquired three years ago.

“Therm Tech has reported strong growth in recent years and this loan from UCIT will support our ambitions for further growth, principally through increased exports in the UK and Europe. In addition to this increased level of export activity, we will be able to consolidate existing jobs and continue the employee growth strategy which has been so evident over the last two to three years.” Robin Gawne, Company Accountant, Workspace

£2.2 million

Invested in Social Housing projects

UCIT provided a loan to Ards Rugby Football Club to support their redevelopment plans

News

Record year for lending to social enterprises and charities

The Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) has revealed record levels of lending to community organisations, charities, social enterprises and small businesses in 2018 with £12m committed across its business.

Since its inception, UCIT, which is a Registered Charity, has provided loan commitments aggregating £90m to over 500 organisations from a wide range of sectors including the arts, childcare, social care, community regeneration, faith and sports.

Harry McDaid, CEO of UCIT, commented: “Our aim has always been to help organisations grow and continue to have a positive social and economic impact in their community. In essence, we seek to enable communities to enable themselves. As our loan book grows, so does our impact, with increasing numbers of people benefiting from enhanced facilities, additional services and new opportunities.

“The voluntary sector faces a range of challenges at both a micro and macro level and yet the growth in our loan book points towards an ongoing resilience based on an unbroken commitment to community. Despite the challenging and uncertain economic and political outlook, our results reflect the continuing confidence of charities and community organisations to undertake new initiatives geared to the provision of social need.

“In the last year we have launched dedicated funds for the sports sector and childcare sector. Our Building Better Futures Fund, developed in partnership with Building Change Trust and Belfast Charitable Society, tailored to the needs of smaller organisations has proven to be a great success. Early activity in the current year shows no sign of slowing down and we’re planning to launch a dedicated fund geared to the needs of the Rural Community and one aimed at Faith-Based organisations.”

One of the organisations to benefit from UCIT funding in 2018 was the well known and respected Ortus Group. UCIT has supported the Belfast based Enterprise Agency with a number of projects over the years including the purchase of new office space. On this occasion, Ortus used the funding to create a soft play area at Dairy Farm Shopping Centre branded “Roar and Explore”. The funding also helped to create 14 new jobs.

The multi-level play area offers children up to the age of ten the opportunity to play in a safe and fun filled environment. Roar and Explore is a social enterprise with all profits being reinvested back into the area and community.

UCIT funds are available to support a wide range of purposes including property acquisition, capital build projects, the purchase of plant, machinery, equipment and working capital needs.

The UCIT Group also manages the Northern Ireland Small Business Loan Fund on behalf of Invest Northern Ireland. Those interested in finding out more can visit www.ucitltd.com and www.nisblf.com

Job Vacancy - Marketing Manager with Digital Expertise

Do you have the skills and passion to join a fast growing business on the island of Ireland?

Do you have a successful marketing track record which demonstrates an understanding of strategy, brand building, lead generation through an online and offline marketing mix?

Do you possess a clear understanding of modern digital marketing methods and the ability to utilise these for business development purposes?

Do you have extraordinary people skills, experience of working in teams and of managing agencies and third parties?

If so we think we have a fantastic opportunity for you to join a dynamic team of professionals.

Ulster Community Investment Trust / Community Finance Ireland is the leading provider of social finance on the island of Ireland. Our driving ambition is to enable local communities and small businesses - through the provision of loan finance and other financial products - to fulfil their enterprise objectives, thereby enhancing the lives of many. The Group has offices in Belfast and Ardee, with a professional team covering the island.

Established in 2001, the business has expanded exponentially across the island over the past five years. It is in this context the company wishes to appoint a Marketing Manager to help it achieve its ambitious growth plans through the next phase of its strategic development.

Job brief

We are looking for a qualified and experienced Marketing Manager with digital expertise to take the lead in developing and implementing successful marketing strategies on behalf of the Group.

As a marketing professional you should have in-depth marketing experience and a passion for digital technologies. A dynamic and self motivator with an outstanding ability to innovate you will work closely with different teams to ensure consistency through all marketing channels including digital. You should also provide forward-thinking ideas to build and maintain a strong company online presence to include all online possibilities.

Ultimately, you should be able to pro-actively drive all marketing efforts to achieve our business growth objectives.

Role and Responsibilities

develop and implement a marketing road map to align with corporate goals
manage all marketing channels (e.g. traditional, online ) to ensure brand consistency and clarity of message
measure ROI and KPIs including the preparation and presentation of budgets
develop specific campaigns to create and maintain high levels of lead generation and customer interaction and the analytical measurement of same
manage and improve online content, be familiar with CRM systems, SEO/SEM programmes and Google Analytics
forecast sales performance trends and act proactively to increase our market space in target markets
manage third party agency and key account relationships
liaise with product development and lending personnel to increase client satisfaction through measurable cohesive strategies
direct, manage and motivate the marketing team to achieve stated goals
monitor competition and provide ideas to stand out
stay up-to-date with digital technology developments in marketing

Requirements

Proven work experience as a marketing manager skilled in IT, words and numbers
Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing successful traditional and digital marketing campaigns
Solid knowledge of online marketing tools and best practices
Display good advocacy skills
Some knowledge of data legislation in both UK and Ireland jurisdictions
BS/MS degree in Marketing or equivalent third level

If you think you have the necessary requirements to join this successful and fast-growing company in the first instance please email your CV to info@communityfinance.ie

Building Better Futures Fund helps tackle counselling gap for Derry young people

The Building Better Futures fund has provided £25,000 to help turn a property in the city centre (Bishop Street) into a popular children’s role-play based centre, Le Petit Village, as well as a number of counselling rooms.

The brainchild of local woman, Francesca Kelly, the ambition is that income generated by the play centre, a first for the city centre, will help subsidise badly needed counselling services for those aged four to nineteen. According to Francesca the need for such services has never been higher:

“Young people in the city have never been under such pressure and there’s a distressing level of problems associated with family breakdown, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal feelings.

“Thanks to the Building Better Futures fund, Aurora Counselling established a social enterprise, ‘Kidz Playtime’, which opened Le Petit Village earlier this year. The centre has proved very successful, with every weekend between now and Christmas booked out for children’s parties and future bookings already secured for March 2019.

“We’re also able to provide a number of separate rooms for young people who require counselling, but such is the demand and the lack of suitable resources in the city that more needs to be done. We’re currently exploring new options to provide further dedicated support.”

Building Better Futures is a £1m fund supported by three Northern Ireland charities, Belfast Charitable Society, Building Change Trust and Ulster Community Investment Fund (UCIT).

Launched last year, the fund offers unsecured loans of between £1,000 and £25,000 to help groups become more financially sustainable. The loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, including buildings and repairs, equipment purchase, making facilities more energy efficient or funding shortfalls in larger grant assisted projects.

Damian McAteer, Vice Chair of UCIT which manages the fund and is one of the UK’s largest social finance specialists, added:

“The Building Better Futures Fund was designed to support innovative projects such as ‘Kidz Playtime’ which meet a real social need in our communities.

“The project is committed to providing social, emotional and cognitive development for the city’s children, but to also use the popularity of its play centre to support the provision of badly needed counselling services for young people.

“We were particularly impressed by the imaginative approach taken by Francesca and others in addressing a pressing social need. We would be keen to hear from other charities, community organisations and social enterprises based in the city and beyond to discuss how the Fund could help them achieve their ambitions”.

‘Le Petit Village’ was recently named by the Derry branch of the Junior Chamber International as the city’s friendliest business. Aimed at under-sevens, it supports role playing in its mini market, pizzeria, doctors, beauty salon, construction area, fire truck, cottage and farm. The centre is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and also offers ‘Le Petit Café’ which serves snacks and drinks for grown-ups.

Belfast Charitable Society was established in 1752 to tackle disadvantage and poverty, building a Poor House and Belfast’s first Infirmary which remain as Clifton House. Today the Society continues to work to tackle disadvantage throughout Northern Ireland and promote philanthropy while sharing its heritage with others.

Building Change Trust was established by the Big Lottery Fund supported by a National Lottery grant of £10million to help build community capacity and the promotion of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

Further information about the fund is available by contacting UCIT on 028 9031 5003 or visiting www.ucitltd.com

UCIT launches new £1M Fund to promote growth of NI Childhood services

A new £1m childcare fund has been launched by Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) to assist community led childcare and family support programmes across Northern Ireland.

The UCIT Family Support Fund was launched at a recent Early Years event in Belfast. Early Years is the largest organisation in Northern Ireland working since 1965 to promote high quality childcare for children aged 0-12 and their families.

Phelim Sharvin, Associate Director at UCIT, said: “Community childcare organisations are struggling to gain funding through traditional lending sources and are increasingly looking towards social finance as a means to support their ambitions. There is a growing demand for funding assistance and we felt it was fitting to launch a dedicated fund tailored to the specific needs of these organisations.

“Our aim is to help as many family support programmes as possible as they continue to play a vital role in the local community. To date, we have invested over £1.5m into childcare and family support projects across Northern Ireland including a multisensory centre in Derry and children’s day care facilities in a number of locations including Ballymoney, Greyabbey, Enniskillen and Eskra. Loans are available to support a wide range of purposes including property acquisition, capital build projects, equipment purchase, bridging finance and working capital.”

Dr Siobhán Fitzpatrick CBE, CEO of Early Years, said: “We welcome the launch of the UCIT Family Support Fund as it provides much needed assistance to an underfunded sector. As a not-for-profit organisation, we work with voluntary and independent settings to build a sustainable early years sector.

“This new fund will help support many projects in the local community which have been put on hold due to funding constraints and we’re delighted UCIT are able to make this announcement at our Leadership and Governance Conference.”

UCIT has supported in excess of 400 community organisations, charities and social enterprises with loan commitments totalling over £80 million. In many instances projects would not have been possible without the flexible, but professional approach adopted by the Trust in its lending. As a registered charity all profits generated by UCIT are retained and recycled for the benefit of its clients.

One Eighty Restaurant among those 'Served up' £850k by Building Better Futures Fund

A £1million community fund which provides small, unsecured loans to social enterprises and charities has committed £850K to 36 groups in Northern Ireland in just 18 months.

Beneficiaries of the fund have been drawn from right across Northern Ireland with loans ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. Organisations supported include Step by Step which runs the One Eighty restaurant in Portadown to provide hospitality training for young people with learning difficulties.

Since opening in 2011 the award-winning restaurant has provided training to dozens of young people, while offering a comprehensive value-for-money menu to the public. The Building Better Futures fund provided its support at a time when the business could not realistically have secured mainstream support.

The backers of the Building Better Futures fund, a unique collaboration between three local charities (Belfast Charitable Society, Building Change Trust and the Ulster Community Investment Trust UCIT), believe the success of the fund points to a clear gap in the Northern Ireland loan market.

Nigel Hampton, Director, Step by Step, said:

“Without the support of the Building Better Futures fund, One Eighty was facing closure after the loss of a major funder. 75% of our trainees move on to sustainable employment and the remainder take up other training provision or alternative day opportunities. This is a vital service for young people and it would have been disastrous for them if the restaurant had closed.

“The restaurant is very popular, serving 300 paying customers every week. The loan has been instrumental in helping restructure accumulated historic debt into manageable repayments and aiding cash flow. It has also allowed us to focus on improving income generation and returning the charity to a surplus position.”

Paula Reynolds, CEO, Belfast Charitable Society, which has been tackling disadvantage since 1752, said:

“Interest in the Building Better Futures fund has exceeded all our expectations and points to a gap in the loan market for smaller, unsecured facilities.

“The groups assisted by the fund deliver vital social benefits for local communities, but also provide significant relief to public services which would otherwise need to intervene more regularly to help those who require support.”

One Eighty trainee, Ben, added:

“During my three years at the restaurant I’ve learned barista skills, how to prepare and serve food, as well as health and safety essentials. Through the course I’ve also secured a work placement and studied English and Maths.

“I now have hospitality skills and employment opportunities which just wouldn’t have been available if it wasn’t for the support of One Eighty’s brilliant staff.”

The fund has also provided £25,000 to create a role-play based centre in Derry-Londonderry, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. Operated by ‘Kidz Playtime’, the centre’s profits will help subsidise counselling services for local children and young people.

Building Better Futures provides funds for a wide range of purposes including buildings and repairs, equipment purchase, energy efficiency and addressing shortfalls in larger grant assisted projects.

The fund is managed by the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) which operates a number of funds that have supported over 400 charities and community organisations with loan commitments totalling £80million since 2001. The third partner in the Fund, Building Change Trust, was established by the Big Lottery Fund with a National Lottery grant of £10million with a vision to support a strong, independent and innovative Third Sector.

Further information regarding the Fund is available by contacting UCIT on 028 9031 5003.

UCIT assist Irish Premiership Club invest in new Community Education & Outreach centre

Crusaders Football Club (FC) is investing £1.2m to build a new education centre that aims to help people in the local area gain qualifications and tackle long-term unemployment. The investment i

s being supported by the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) and the Social Investment Fund (SIF).

Work has started on the new education hub, named the ‘McDonald Centre’ after Crusaders legend, Roy McDonald, and is due to open at the end of the year. Located on the site of the former Crusaders FC social club, the centre will be run in partnership with the Hubb Resource Centre. The collaboration aims to address social deprivation and reduce the impacts of low aspirations, negative peer pressures and residual paramilitarism influence in the area.

Leading education and training providers, People 1st, Belfast Met and Ulster University, will deliver a number of courses and essential skills programmes when the centre opens.

Phelim Sharvin, Associate Director at UCIT, said:

“This investment, by one of Northern Ireland’s most successful football clubs, will provide an invaluable resource to the local community in the drive to tackle issues which have blighted the area in recent years. The club is already involved in a number of community initiatives and this further enhances their social impact in the area.

“The new centre will give people of all ages the chance to further their education and help them get on the employment ladder. With the backing of leading education providers, people will have access to the resources and mentoring they need to succeed.”

He added: “This is an excellent example of how sporting clubs can build upon their community links by providing easily accessible, innovative services. UCIT provides a range of funding options and we would encourage other clubs and community groups to contact us to discuss their plans.”

Mark Langhammer, Vice-Chair of Crusaders FC, said:

“Crusaders FC has been part of the community since 1898 and this is our opportunity to provide an aspirational ‘space’ within our local neighbourhood. The McDonald Centre will be an education resource for people of all ages. On Saturday mornings, for example, we aim to host a Coding club for young children whilst their parents can take part in bitesize essential skills programmes. There will be an apprenticeship programme for talented elite players, and the centre will also provide childcare and after-schools activities and a fitness facility for exercise classes. We are also working with Ulster University’s ‘Taking Boys Seriously’ research team.

“There are significant levels of educational achievement locally but a study by Queens University Belfast found that only 11.7% of local secondary school pupils attend grammar school, the lowest level in Northern Ireland.”

Club Treasurer of Crusader FC, Tommy Whiteside, commented:

“Crusaders is proud of its North Belfast heritage and we believe that this investment will help future generations of local people achieve their full potential. Roy McDonald is a Crusaders living legend and his successes with the club over almost 50 years embodies everything we hope the new centre will achieve.”

When Crusaders won the Irish League Premiership earlier this year, manager Stephen Baxter dedicated the title to goalkeeping coach, Roy McDonald, who hung up his gloves after 46 years with the club. Roy joined Crusaders in 1972, playing over 400 games and winning several titles.

UCIT has supported in excess of 400 community organisations, charities and social enterprises with loan commitments totalling over £80 million.

UCIT - Crusaders (subtitled) from MCE Public Relations on Vimeo.

Caledon Rovers Football Club ‘pitch perfect’ following loan from Building Better Futures Fund

Caledon Rovers Football Club has availed of a loan from the Building Better Futures Fund to cover costs associated with carrying out essential drainage works to their football pitch. The maintenance works will deliver cost savings to the Club which provides a valuable resource and significant social impact in this rural community in County Tyrone.

Graeme Parr, Treasurer, Caledon Rovers FC said:

“With grant funding not available to our Club for maintenance projects we looked to the Building Better Futures Fund for a loan to help our club carry out essential drainage works to our pitch. The Fund offered an affordable repayment structure for the loan and we hope that now following the completion of the works we will have a playable pitch all year round.”

The Building Better Futures scheme has been created and funded through a partnership between leading local charities - Belfast Charitable Society, Building Change Trust and Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT). Belfast Charitable Society was established in 1752 to tackle disadvantage and poverty and in doing so it built the Poor House and Belfast’s first Infirmary, which remains as Clifton House. Building Change Trust was established in 2008 by the Big Lottery Fund with an endowment of £10million as an investment for community capacity building and promotion of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

The £1 Million fund which is being managed by UCIT provides Community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises with access to small unsecured loans of £1,000 - £25,000 which cannot currently be raised from traditional sources.

For further information regarding the Fund contact UCIT on Tel: 028 90315003.

UCIT puts the 'Fizz' in Clearer Water

A social enterprise based near Larne has had the ‘fizz’ put into its business thanks to a £50K loan from UCIT to purchase a new automatic carbonator.

Clearer Water, from Magheramorne, sources and bottles drinking water which is certified as among the best in the UK and Ireland. The new carbonator has enabled the company to expand its customer base in the hotel and restaurant trade where sparkling water is more popular.

Production has grown to 10,000 bottles per day and the firm now operates seven-days a week to meet demand. Clearer Water, which employs 14, has created a relaxing working environment designed to help disadvantaged people who find it difficult to secure normal employment.

Clients include Shu, Ox, James St South, the Fitzwilliam and Lough Erne hotels, Titanic Belfast, Henderson Food Group and a number of up-market delicatessens in London.

Phelim Sharvin, Ulster Community Investment Trust’s (UCIT) Associate Director said:

“Clearer Water is a great example of what social enterprises can deliver - combining commercial success with a vision to improve local communities. Thanks to funding from UCIT, the company has been able to switch from a manual to an automatic carbonator. This has greatly improved production efficiency and allowed them to win new customers.

“The importance of social enterprises, community and voluntary groups to Northern Ireland’s economy continues to grow, generating annual revenues in excess of £1.2bn. Last year UCIT provided a record £14 million to 80 third sector organisations across the island.”

The social enterprise’s water is filtered through three limestone aquifers on the Antrim Plateau and has a pH of 7.8, putting it in the top 10% of UK bottled water. Each bottle also contains a unique code that allows customers to trace when the water was sourced, the temperature at the time and background details of the staff who bottled it.

David Hunter, Director and co-founder of Clearer Water, said:

“In the past year employment has more than tripled and sales have increased six-fold. As a company we’re focused on the idea that to be social, we need to be enterprising. This enables us to provide employment to people who previously had little expectation of holding down a normal job with standard contracts – and that has been life changing for them and their families.

“Demand for bottled-water is projected to increase by over 10% in the next decade, fuelled in the UK by the sugar tax and a greater awareness of diseases such as diabetes. As the market grows, we expect to increase production and provide further employment opportunities.

“In addition to UCIT we’ve been supported by the Big Lottery, Rural Development Fund, Northern Trust and Henderson Food Group, who were our first customer. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible for the business to grow as quickly as it has.”

The idea for Clearer Water was sparked by an 18-year long campaign led by co-founder Maureen Hanvey to prevent a local quarry being turned into a landfill site. Maureen commissioned professional reports of local water quality, providing the provenance and certification Clearer Water would require to sell it as bottled drinking water.

Clearer Water is a partnership between Acceptable Enterprises Larne, which operates a number of social enterprises and training schemes, and Learning to Grow, a charity specialising in therapeutic horticulture. Clearer Water is Ireland’s first ethical bottled water company.

UCIT has supported in excess of 400 organisations with loan commitments totalling over £80 million. In many instances projects would not have been possible without the flexible, but professional approach adopted by the Trust in its lending. As a charity all profits generated by UCIT are retained and recycled for the benefit of its clients.

Building Better Futures Loan Fund enables Healthy Kidz to invest in growth

Healthy Kidz CIC is an innovative fitness initiative aiming to give physical literacy the same level of importance as academic literacy on the School curriculum.

Initially spearheaded by Tannaghmore Primary School, Lurgan, the project was aimed at promoting pupils to take part in regular physical activity. Interest in the project has grown rapidly since its foundation with 86 schools throughout Northern Ireland and 10,000 pupils already participating weekly.

To meet this growing demand the organisation has accessed support from the Building Better Futures Fund to provide working capital to assist with initial running costs, allowing the organisation to invest in growth and increase revenue generation.

Community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises can access loans through the Building Better Futures scheme which has been created and funded through a partnership between three leading local charities - Building Change Trust, Belfast Charitable Society and Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT).

Building Change Trust was established in 2008 by the Big Lottery Fund with an endowment of £10million as an investment for community capacity building and promotion of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. Belfast Charitable Society was established in 1752 to tackle disadvantage and poverty and in doing so it built the Poor House and Belfast’s first Infirmary, which remains as Clifton House.

The £1 Million fund which is being managed by UCIT provides small unsecured loans of £1,000 - £25,000 which cannot currently be raised from traditional sources.

Kevin Creery of Healthy Kidz explained that the programme has become so successful they now employ nine full time coaches as well as 16 part time coaches. The aim is to get local firms on board and more investment as the company expands across Ireland. The initiative comes at a time in Northern Ireland when our young people's interest and engagement in physical activity is the lowest in the UK and the worst in history while levels of obesity and diabetes continue to rise.

Children have various strands of fitness goals including access to an App which allows them to follow their progress.

Building Better Futures loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, including buildings and repairs, equipment purchase, making facilities more energy efficient or funding shortfalls in larger grant assisted projects. Further information about the scheme is available by contacting Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) on 028 9031 5003.

Funding for language and cultural groups available

Northern Ireland’s burgeoning cultural and language sector could expand their activities if more groups made use of social finance. The call was made by Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT), a

registered charity which is Northern Ireland’s leading independent provider of loans to the Community, Voluntary and Social Enterprise (CVSE) sector.

In recent years there has been strong growth in the numbers of language and cultural groups operating in Northern Ireland, but the level of funding available from Government has come under increasing pressure.

Among those to have benefited from UCIT funding is Belfast-based An Droichead which supports the Irish-speaking community through education and employment services, as well as child day care, youth services, scholarships and volunteering opportunities. The group has received a loan of £50K to help refurbish childcare facilities and develop its business plan.

Pól Deeds, CEO of An Droichead, said:

“In 2013 An Droichead created a social enterprise day care that employs 25 people directly. The loan from UCIT helped us consolidate this expanding service, maintaining high standards whilst also driving revenues. The loan has also enabled us to update our plans for a social economy and cultural village on the Ormeau Road.”

Phelim Sharvin, Associate Director, UCIT added:

“Northern Ireland’s growing social economy comes in many different guises, including language and cultural organisations which create jobs, support tourism and, like An Droichead, provide vital community services. Traditionally, language groups have relied upon voluntary and grant support. In today’s financial climate, however, more and more groups are turning towards social finance to support their work. UCIT provides a range of loans and professional financial advice to help groups determine the best way to fund their services.”

UCIT has supported 400 organisations with loan commitments totalling over £80 million since 2001. All of UCIT’s profits are retained and recycled for the benefit of its clients.

Other language and cultural groups which have received funding from UCIT include Coiste Ghaeloideachais Chromghlinne to help support a new school facility and family centre in Crumlin and An Gaelaras to help develop the landmark Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin centre in Derry.

Building Better Futures Loan Fund ‘Steps’ in to assist Portadown social enterprise

Operating from their One Eighty Degrees Restaurant in Portadown, Step by Step NI Ltd work in partnership with the Southern Regional College to deliver an award winning training programme for youn

g adults with learning needs. The restaurant operates as a non-profit taking social enterprise and offers a unique opportunity for young people with learning disabilities to acquire qualifications, skills and experience to enable them to gain meaningful employment in the hospitality industry. The organisation recently availed of a loan from the Building Better Futures Fund to meet short term working capital costs.

Nigel Hampton, Director, Step by Step NI Ltd said:

“Following the loss of a major funder, Step by Step NI’s One Eighty social enterprise which trains and supports young people with a learning disability for employment in the hospitality industry had been at risk of closure. Had that outcome occurred, it would have had extremely negative consequences for the trainees and staff involved. The loan from the Building Better Futures Fund has been instrumental in allowing us to restructure the staff team, restructure the accumulated historic debt into manageable repayments, aid cash flow and allow us to focus on improving income generation and returning the charity to a surplus position.”

The Building Better Futures scheme has been created and funded through a partnership between Building Change Trust, Belfast Charitable Society and Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT). Building Change Trust was established in 2008 by the Big Lottery Fund with an endowment of £10million as an investment for community capacity building and promotion of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. Belfast Charitable Society was established in 1752 to tackle disadvantage and poverty and in doing so it built the Poor House and Belfast’s first Infirmary, which remains as Clifton House.

The £1 Million fund which is being managed by UCIT provides community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises with access to small unsecured loans of £1,000 - £25,000 which cannot currently be raised from traditional sources.

Loans from the Building Better Futures Fund can be used for a wide range of purposes, including buildings and repairs, equipment purchase, making facilities more energy efficient or funding shortfalls in larger grant assisted projects.

Further information about the scheme is available by contacting UCIT on Tel: 028 9031 5003.

£6.9 million

Invested in Sports Clubs

Client Relationship Executive

Personal Assistant/ Administrator

Nicholas McElhatton

Administrator/PA

UCIT Directors

Alan Moneypenny Chair
Chair of Finance and Audit committee, Riverside Theatre
Damian McAteer Vice-Chair
Director of Waterside Development Trust
Erskine Holmes OBE
Elected member of NI Council Co-operative Group
Jim Malone
Director/Founder Member of Ardee Community Development Company
Michael McGarrigle
Secretary of Council for the West
Douglas McIldoon
Secretary of NI Co-operative Forum
Seamus O’Prey
Chief Executive of ORTUS Group
Ian McAvoy
Chair, Playboard
Martin Stroud
Board Member of Ulster Waterways
Anthony Barbour
Board Member, NI Co-operative Forum
Audrey Murray
Business Development Manager, LEDCOM
William Patterson
Chairman, Farset International
Gary McQuoid
Director at Extern Ireland, NOW Group, Francina Foundation and GJJA Associates Limited.

Community Finance (Ireland) Directors

Alan Moneypenny Chair
Chair of Finance and Audit committee, Riverside Theatre
Michael McGarrigle Vice Chair
Secretary of Council for the West
Kevin Helferty
Director of Buncrana Credit Union Ltd
Jim Malone
Director/Founder Member of Ardee Community Development Company
William Patterson
Director of Farset Development Ltd.
Seamus O’Prey
Chief Executive of ORTUS Group
Andrew Ward
Joint CEO Inishowen Development Partnership

Community Finance (Ireland) Staff

Donal Traynor Associate Director
Marie Carpenter Office Administrator
Terri Martin Office Administrator
Barry Symes Client Relationship Executive
Rose Hally Client Relationship Executive
Fiona Hughes Client Relationship Executive

Download and view our latest reports

Social Impact & Financial Highlights Report 2017

Social Impact & Financial Highlights Report 2016

UCIT is a member of the UK Community Development Finance Association (CDFA). As a member of the CDFA, UCIT must comply to the CDFA Code of Practice.

A copy of our Code of Practice compliance can be found by clicking below

Membership of Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) offers you the opportunity to be part of an exciting and progressive financial institution that is committed to breaking new ground in developing financial solutions for the social economy sector.

As an Industrial and Provident Society, UCIT offers membership by way of share acquisition with a minimum subscription of £250 Sterling (or the Euro equivalent).

A copy of our membership form can be found by clicking below

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Building Better Futures Fund helps tackle counselling gap for Derry young people

UCIT launches new £1M Fund to promote growth of NI Childhood services

One Eighty Restaurant among those 'Served up' £850k by Building Better Futures Fund

UCIT assist Irish Premiership Club invest in new Community Education & Outreach centre

Caledon Rovers Football Club ‘pitch perfect’ following loan from Building Better Futures Fund

UCIT puts the 'Fizz' in Clearer Water

Building Better Futures Loan Fund enables Healthy Kidz to invest in growth

Funding for language and cultural groups available

Building Better Futures Loan Fund ‘Steps’ in to assist Portadown social enterprise

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