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Introduction:

After we spent time designing and agreeing on our business plan, we felt excited and ready to move forward. We had talked about what we wanted to achieve in the short term, what we hoped to do in the next few years, and our big dreams for the future. Once we had those goals written down, it was time to take the next big step—making our organisation official.

 

We learned that to apply for funding and grow our ideas, we needed to be more than just a group of people with a plan. Many funders don’t give money to individuals or sole traders. They want to see that you are a registered organisation with a proper structure. That meant we needed to get a registration number and legally incorporate our company.

 

With our vision clearly defined, we turned our attention to the practical steps needed to bring our organisation to life. This chapter outlines the key components we put in place to establish ourselves as a functioning and credible entity. From legal incorporation and regulatory compliance to setting up communication tools and a digital presence, each step was essential in laying a strong foundation.

 

The following sections walk through our journey, covering:

 

  1. Articles of Incorporation– Drafting the legal framework that defines our purpose and operations.
  2. CIC Regulator– Understanding our responsibilities as a Community Interest Company.
  3. Companies House– Navigating the official registration process.
  4. Bank Accounts– Setting up financial systems to manage funds transparently.
  5. SurveyMonkey– Using digital tools to engage members and support democratic decision-making.
  6. Social Media– Building our public voice and connecting with our community.
  7. Website– Creating a central hub to share our mission, updates, and opportunities.

Articles of Incorporation

 

Legal Requirements and Considerations When Drafting

When creating the Articles of Incorporation for your organization, there are several legal requirements and considerations to keep in mind. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what you need to do:

 

Legal Requirements

  1. Name of the Organization:
    • Choose a unique name that is not already in use by another organization.
    • We went online to Companies House to search to see if our name was already in use here Find and update company information – GOV.UK
    • In addition, we created a free Gmail account, so that we were able to send and receive emails for the organisation at no cost.
    • Ensure the name complies with any naming rules set by the relevant authorities.
  1. Purpose of the Organization:
    • Clearly state the purpose of your organization. This explains why your organization exists and what it aims to achieve.
    • If you are not registering as a Charity, and the organisation structure you have chosen is not-for-profit, it is very important that your Articles clearly state you are a “not-for-profit” organisation. OBJECTS (Section 5).
    • We included some of the information from our mission statement in our Articles.
  1. Registered Office Address:
    • Provide a physical address where your organization will be based. This is where official documents will be sent.
    • This is important for registering company and opening bank accounts, we were lucky enough to have one of our Directors offer to use his address temporarily.
    • You can also register with a local accountant’s firm for secretariat services, where you will be able to use their address as your registered address. Fees for this service vary, in our area they are approximately £240 per year plus VAT.
  1. Details of Directors:
    • List the names and addresses of the initial directors who will manage the organization.
    • We created a Directors Application form so we could compile all the information at one time from the board of Directors to refer to when completing official documents and opening banking facilities.
    • Next, we created a Directors Details spreadsheet, so we had all directors’ information on one document
  1. Details of Members:
    • Include information about the initial members or shareholders of the organization.
    • We created a Members application form so we could compile all the information needed from those wishing to join the organisation, including information on vessels, owner/skipper, and confirmation that they meet the criteria for membership, and agree to the conditions for membership.
  1. Statement of Limited Liability:
    • Specify that the liability of the members or shareholders is limited to their investment in the organization.
    • We decided on £1 per member.
  1. Capital Structure:
  1. Duration:
    • State whether the organization is set up for a specific period or indefinitely.

 

Considerations

  1. Compliance with Laws:
    • Ensure that your Articles of Incorporation comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
  1. Clarity and Precision:
    • Use clear and precise language to avoid misunderstandings and legal issues.
  1. Future Amendments:
    • Consider how easy it will be to amend the Articles of Incorporation in the future if needed.
  1. Consult Legal Advice:
    • It’s a good idea to consult with a legal professional to ensure everything is in order.

By following these steps and considering the legal requirements, you can successfully draft the Articles of Incorporation for your organisation. This will help ensure that your organisation is legally compliant and well-structured from the start.

Dos and don’ts of completing an application to incorporate a CIC

Need help with registering your Community Interest Company? We’ve identified the most common mistakes for each document you need to submit and compiled a list of Hints and Tips to get you on your way.

 

The facility to allow customers to complete an application and submit it online is quicker and easier to set up and in-built checks mean you are more likely to get it right first time. The cost for this is £65!! Compared to £86 for paper.

 

The ‘Online’ process

This requires the customer to upload two documents only, as the information input during the online journey populates the rest.

 

Are you starting a new application? – Set up a limited company and register for Corporation Tax – GOV.UK

 

During the online process you are only required to upload:

 

The details regarding company type, the registered office address, director details etc. and Memorandum of Association are obtained from information the customer inputs during the online journey.

The Form CIC 36

Most important tip of all is to not forget your Community Interest Statement (CIC36 form) and remember to keep the name consistent with the other documents.

  • Make sure you complete each section of the form – A, B, C and D.
  • Give a clear description of the community of benefit – A.
  • Give a clear description of the CICs activities and how these will benefit the community – B.
  • Gomplete the ‘surplus statement’ on the end of section B.
  • Read section C – these are the declarations which are mandatory. You sign section D to confirm your understanding.
  • Make sure all directors signatures are live / written, DocuSign is also acceptable.
  • Make sure that the number of directors that have signed section D are the same number who will be registered as the first directors.
  •  Apply to be a CIC if your main activity will be lobbying or campaigning for or against any local or national political party or government decision.
  • State in the surplus statement that the CIC will pay dividends to shareholders if the CIC will be limited by guarantee or limited by shares Schedule 2.

Helpful Documents – Please see LBFCIC website for links.

 

  • Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies Leaflet & Information pack.
  • Community Interest Companies benefits of a Community Interest Company leaflet.
  • Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies: information pack.

The Articles of Association:

  • Make sure the asset locked body clauses are numbered correctly and correspond with the conditions.
  • Choose a registered charity, another CIC or a Registered Society as your nominated asset locked body in clause 3.5.
  • Choose the correct limited by shares model – Schedule 2 to pay dividends to asset locked bodies or Schedule 3 – to pay dividends to shareholders.
  • Choose the correct Articles of Association for the type of company you have chosen i.e. limited by guarantee or limited by shares.
  • Complete the objects clause – the Regulator considers it to be good practice for the CIC to complete the objects clause in the articles and some funding bodies refer to this information when considering an application – however it is not mandatory.
  • Nominate your CIC or a director of your CIC as the asset locked body in clause 3.5.
  • Remove or alter any of the statutory clauses shown in red in our models.
  • Make any additional clauses that will negate the meaning of the statutory clauses.

CIC Regulator

Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies – GOV.UK

 

What is the CIC Regulator?

The Community Interest Company (CIC) Regulator is a government body that oversees CICs in the UK. The Regulator ensures that CICs are working for the benefit of the community and not just for private profit. They help make sure that CICs follow the rules and regulations set out for them.

 

Why is the CIC Regulator Important?

The CIC Regulator is important because they:

  • Protect the Community:Ensure that the CIC is genuinely benefiting the community.
  • Maintain Standards:Make sure that CICs operate in a transparent and accountable way.
  • Provide Guidance:Offer advice and support to help CICs understand their responsibilities.

 

Compliance and Reporting Obligations

 

What Do CICs Need to Do?

To stay compliant, CICs must follow certain rules and complete regular reports. Here’s what you need to know:

 

  1. Annual Report:
    • What It Is: A report that explains how the CIC has benefited the community over the past year.
    • What to Include: Details of activities, achievements, and how profits have been used for community benefit.
    • When to Submit: Every year, along with the annual accounts.

 

  1. Annual Accounts:
    • What It Is: Financial statements that show the CIC’s income, expenses, and financial position.
    • What to Include: Balance sheet, profit and loss account, and notes to the accounts.
    • When to Submit: Every year, along with the annual report.

 

  1. Community Interest Statement:
    • What It Is: A statement that confirms the CIC is still working for the community.
    • What to Include: A declaration that the CIC continues to meet the community interest test.
    • When to Submit: Every year, as part of the annual report.

 

  1. Asset Lock:
    • What It Is: A rule that ensures the CIC’s assets are used for the community and not for private gain.
    • What to Include: Details of how assets are protected and used for community benefit.
    • When to Submit: Information about the asset lock should be included in the annual report.

 

Tips for Staying Compliant

  • Keep Good Records: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all activities and finances.
  • Plan Ahead: Prepare your reports and accounts well in advance of the submission deadlines.
  • Seek Help: If you’re unsure about any requirements, seek advice from the CIC Regulator or a legal professional.

 

By understanding the role of the CIC Regulator and meeting your compliance and reporting obligations, you can ensure that your CIC operates smoothly and continues to benefit the community.

 

Companies House

Steps to Register a Company

 

Registering a company with Companies House in the UK involves several steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

  1. Choose a Company Structure
  • Decide on the type of company you want to form, such as a private limited company (Ltd), public limited company (PLC), or community interest company (CIC).

 

  1. Register a Company Name
  • Choose a unique name for your company that complies with naming rules. Ensure it’s not already in use by another company.

 

  1. Select Directors and a Company Secretary
  • Directors: You must appoint at least one director. Directors are responsible for running the company.
  • Company Secretary: This role is optional but can help with administrative tasks.

 

  1. Decide on Shareholders or Guarantors
  • Shareholders: If forming a limited company, you need at least one shareholder. Shareholders own the company.
  • Guarantors: For companies limited by guarantee, you need guarantors who agree to pay a set amount if the company goes into debt.

 

  1. Prepare Documents
  • Memorandum of Association: A legal statement signed by all initial shareholders or guarantors agreeing to form the company.
  • Articles of Association: Written rules about how the company will be run, agreed upon by the shareholders or guarantors.

 

  1. Register an Official Address
  • Provide a physical address in the UK where official documents can be sent. This address will be publicly available.

 

  1. Choose a SIC Code
  • Select a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that describes your company’s main business activities.
  • When we registered our organisation, it only allowed a maximum of four SIC codes. Here is link to a condensed SIC code list. However, there is also a search function if you want to try and search for specific nature of business. (SIC codes list in Glossary and link below)

 

Nature of business: Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes

 

  1. Register with Companies House

Submit your application online or by post. You’ll need to provide:

  • Company name.
  • Registered office address.
  • Details of directors and shareholders/guarantors.

 

You’ll need at least 3 pieces of personal information about yourself and your shareholders or guarantors, for example:

  • Town of birth.
  • Mother’s maiden name.
  • Father’s first name.
  • Telephone number.
  • National insurance number.
  • Passport number.
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association.
  • SIC code.

 

Set up a private limited company: Register your company – GOV.UK

 

  1. Pay the Registration Fee
  • Online: £50 (usually registered within 24 hours)and can be paid by debit or credit card.
  • By Post: £40 (takes 8 to 10 days).

 

  1. Receive Certificate of Incorporation
  • Once registered, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation. This confirms your company legally exists and includes your company number and date of formation.

 

Documents and Signatures Needed

  • Memorandum of Association: Signed by all initial shareholders or guarantors.
  • Articles of Association: Signed by all initial shareholders or guarantors.
  • Form IN01 (if registering by post): Signed by the person forming the company.

 

Additional Considerations

  • Government Gateway ID: Create a Government Gateway user ID and password for your company.
  • Corporation Tax: Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC once your company is registered.
  • PAYE Registration: If you plan to employ staff, register for PAYE with HMRC.

 Opening Bank Accounts for Your CIC

Opening a bank account is an essential step for your Community Interest Company (CIC). Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

 

Steps to opening a bank account

 

Research Banks:

Look for banks that offer free banking periods for new businesses or CICs. This can help reduce costs in the early stages.

 

Prepare Documents:

Proof of Identity: Passport or driving license for all directors.

Proof of Address: Utility bills or bank statements for all directors.

Certificate of Incorporation: Proof that your CIC is legally registered.

Articles of Association: The rules governing your CIC.

Business Plan: Outline your CIC’s goals and operations.

 

Choose the Right Bank:

Compare different banks to find the best fit for your CIC’s needs. Consider factors like fees, services, and customer support.

 

Visit the Bank or Apply Online:

Some banks require you to visit a branch, while others allow you to apply online. Follow the bank’s instructions to complete the application.

 

Signatures:

Ensure all directors sign the necessary documents, such as the account application form and any agreements.

 

Receive Confirmation:

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive confirmation and details about your new account.

 

Banks Offering Free Banking Periods for New Businesses or CICs

Here are some banks that currently offer free banking periods for new businesses or CICs:

 

  1. HSBC

Free Period: 12 months

Details: Free banking for new businesses and those switching to HSBC.

 

  1. Barclays

Free Period: 12 months

Details: Free banking for small businesses setting up their first business bank account.

 

  1. NatWest

Free Period: 18 months

Details: Free banking for new businesses with a turnover of less than £1 million.

 

  1. Lloyds

Free Period: 18 months

Details: Free banking for new businesses.

 

  1. Tide

Free Period: Forever (with transaction fees)

Details: No monthly fees, pay per transaction.

 

  1. Starling Bank

Free Period: Forever (most features free).

Details: Free banking for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and less than £1.7 million in annual turnover

Survey Monkey

 

One of the non-negotiable principles of our CIC is that fishermen must engage with the CIC. We have all seen so-called fishing representatives speaking for the industry, and of course, the fishermen in Lyme Bay recognized they would need a shore-based representative to engage for them. But in the workshop, they chose to make answering surveys and providing information to the Chief Executive mandatory. This is crucial to transparent representation, so that when that representative speaks for them, they really are representing views gathered from the whole membership, and not just a few, or just the dominant voices.

 

We found SurveyMonkey to be fishermen-friendly. It is easy to answer on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. This tool allows the representative to demonstrate and provide evidence that they are representing the views of the whole membership. SurveyMonkey helps us gather comprehensive and accurate feedback, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.

Free Subscription

  1. Survey Creation:
    • Create unlimited surveys.
    • Limited to 10 questions per survey.
  2. Question Types:
    • Access to common question types such as multiple choice, checkboxes, dropdown, and text box.
  3. Response Limits:
    • View up to 25 responses per survey.
  4. Templates:
    • Access to a limited number of free templates.
  5. Basic Features:
    • Basic survey creation and analysis capabilities.
    • No advanced features like logic, branching, or randomization.

 

Basic Subscription

  1. Survey Creation:
    • Create unlimited surveys.
    • More flexibility with the number of questions per survey.
  2. Question Types:
    • Access to 25+ question types, including advanced options.
  3. Response Limits:
    • Higher response limits compared to the free plan.
  4. Templates:
    • Access to 400+ templates.
  5. Advanced Features:
    • Logic, branching, and randomization options to personalize surveys and get better feedback.
    • Custom charts and reports to unlock insights.
    • Multiple filters for analysing subsets of respondents and uncovering data trends.
  6. Customization:
    • Custom look and feel with fonts, colours, logos, custom URLs, and styles.
    • Ability to remove SurveyMonkey branding from the footer of your survey.
  7. Export Options:
    • Download data in various formats (CSV, XLS, PDF).

 

Summary

  • Free Plan: Ideal for personal and casual surveys with basic creation and analysis capabilities.
  • Basic Plan: Offers more advanced features, higher response limits, and customization options, making it suitable for more detailed and professional survey needs.

Send Your Survey:

  • Click on the “Send Survey” button.
  • Choose your distribution method (e.g., email, web link, social media).
  • Customize the message and send it to your audience.

 

Monitor Responses:

  • Go to the “Analyse Results” tab to see responses as they come in.
  • Use filters and cross-tabs to analyse specific segments of your data.

 

Analysing Results

  1. View Summary Data:
  • Click on “Analyse Results” to see summary data and charts.
  • Use the “Filter” and “Compare” tools to segment your data.
  1. Export Data:
  • Click on “Export” to download your data in various formats (e.g., CSV, PDF).

 

Tips for Using SurveyMonkey Effectively

  • Keep Surveys Short: Aim for 10 questions or fewer to increase completion rates.
  • Use Clear Language: Make sure your questions are easy to understand.
  • Test Your Survey: Send it to a small group first to get feedback.
  • Follow Up: Send reminders to increase response rates.

Social Media

Delivery Considerations

We can all sign up to social media but understanding how to use it productively can be a full-time job.We decided to use retained services to manage social media for us, as this provided additional skills and resource and left the CEO time to focus upon other high-level tasks.

 

Hopes and Aspirations

We would all love our social media platforms to go viral and generate incomes from our content, but our honest ambition for our channels was to try to create community space where we shared content about the four ports.

 

What Platforms?

We selected three platforms to use as part of a targeted approach.

Twitter was chosen to help the fishermen members to speak to government, regulators and industry bodies, the reason being such organisations re normally very active on twitter and increasingly key decision makers use the platform themselves.

Facebook was selected as the key platform to speak to the coastal community. Accordingly, the fishermen’s friends and family have shared much on this platform and their syndication has amplified our messages on social media.

Instagram was chosen to echo both twitter and Facebook, but the beauty of the fleet and water has meant this platform has grown exponentially. Instagram has become a nice portal for people to see why our members love what they do so much.

YouTube was added later as a vehicle to share the CIC’s documentary film, as it can be time consuming with slow gains for self-made content. The platform was very successful gathering more than 20,000 views of the professionally produced 30-minute documentary.

Choosing a Handle

 

The profile name for your brand on social media platforms needs to be clear and obvious but also where possible have continuity. This helps with finding the brand online but can also bolster or undermine wider marketing efforts. For our CIC we were conscious we couldn’t use the full name due to character restrictions. On Twitter we opted for @LBFCIC on Instagram it was easier with @lymebayfishermanscic but note we still had to drop the apostrophe on Facebook we were able to use our full name.

When to post

 

We tested an array of timings for core social posts and quickly found the evening was most effective for our organisation and our followers. That doesnt mean that will always be the case if you are setting up a fishing CIC but its worth testing to see when is the most effective to post as you build your followers. We also found weekdays were the ebst to get more shares or syndication of our posts.

 

Consistency is key and if you can post 5-7 times a week on your platform you will start to build a presence. Please don’t feel you need to post multiple  times per day unless you have something different ro time related that needs to be shared – It is possible to over saturate by posting too much on social media, if this happens your followers will stop engaging.

Image quality and video

 

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to succeed on social media, but you do need to be selective with the images and photos you post. We would recommed a core number of posts say 50% use good quality image and video that show case your organisation as professional. The other 50% of images can be as high-quality beautiful shots in their own right, or simply raw and real pictures. The key here is to decide what type of organisation you want to be. For us we wanted to show the skill and heritage of our members, so we tried to use as many beautiful and inspiring images as we could. That said if you are not sure yet don’t over think it to start get posting and just ask yourself does my image show something interesting for me and equally something interesting for someone who doesn’t know what to do. If its interesting for others, people will start to share and follow your social media channels.

Direct Messages

 

Direct or Private messages can be a useful way for individuals to contact your organisation through social media but remember when replying to be more formal as you are representing the organisation when answering these messages on its behalf. It is useful to set up auto responses if you are unable to check the private messages regularly and this can be simply diverting people to your organisations email address.

Content

 

Start simple and build up is the best advice we could give. We tested an array of content, but like many organisations using social media we found some worked well, some didn’t work as we hoped, and others didn’t generate traction as we expected and a number of posts success blew us away they were so positive.

But where do you start with telling your story? These are the sorts of prompts and questions we regularly ask ourselves:

Narrative:

 

  • Who are you as an organisation?
  • Who are you members?
  • What do you do? What do you fish? What are your vessels?
  • What is your heritage?
  • What do you want to do?
  • Who do you work with? Regulators, ports, local authorities etc?
  • What do you want from government?
  • What are you doing with an eye on the future?

Secondary narratives:

 

  • Do we eat enough fish?
  • Who buys your fish?
  • What are the best recipes?
  • Fish Friday
  • Fish and Chips
  • What do you catch with local/ sustainable qualities?
  • Science –    fish    biology, fisheries science, ocean science.

Comments

 

Comments on social media can give you the best and worst feeling depending on the content. Positive support is always wonderful to hear, and comments on your posts lets everyone see and celebrate positive feedback or support. Try to reply thanking people as much as you can as this helps to drive further engagement with other social media users.

 

Negative comments will happen, some may be valid and others may be unjustified and from people trolling you. Trolls are online bullies. The key to navigating justified negativity in comments is to take on board any constructive criticism and acknowledge you are reviewing things in a very short polite response. Do not engage with unjustified or unfair trolls, report the comments to the platform and ignore them. Delete or hide the comment if you can, but sometimes it is best to wait a day before doing so, as they will likely move on and they will then not notice the post has been deleted. The more you engage in negative dialogue on social media the more trolls will engage so as hard as it may be do not give them oxygen. If in doubt, ask a professional as it can impact your wider brand and organisation.

Cross Pollination

 

Having multiple platforms means you can use content in slightly different ways and cross pollinate and promote to the following you have – this is a great way to get someone new that follows you on say Facebook to start following you on Instagram for example. Expanding on such examples, short videos work well on Facebook and Instagram so it’s often good to cross reference new videos on other platforms to drive followers to watch them.

Promotion

 

Having social media is one thing, but it hugely beneficial to integrate it in to all you communications. Do you have your social media on your business cards, emails and most importantly website integration is a key part of driving social media success. If you can add social media handles to your website that is a great start but nowadays widgets that display content from your social media channels are an easy addition but a valuable way to demonstrate your activity and drive more followers, and in turn develop more awareness.

Paid Promotion

 

We didn’t opt to do paid promotions as an organisation and chose to develop organically but we have to acknowledge it is an industry standard to drive growth and a sure way to drive rapid growth. If you go down the route of paid advertising a small budget is often enough to drive big results. Although widely refuted many industry experts believe social media platforms throttle or choke organic traffic to business profiles that do not spend on advertising – small paid campaigns can circumvent such issues.

 

We understand that not everyone uses social media, and even if you do have an account, posting content—whether it’s text, photos, or videos—can sometimes feel daunting. That’s why we’ve created easy-to-follow, step-by-step guides to help you get started. Whether you’re setting up a Facebook or Instagram account for the first time or looking for guidance on how to share your content confidently, these resources are here to support you.

Introduction to Creating a Website

 

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is essential, even for non-revenue generating organisations. A website serves as a central hub for information, helps build credibility, and allows you to reach a wider audience. Here are a few reasons why it’s important for your organisation to have an online presence:

Visibility and Accessibility

A website makes it easy for people to find information about your organisation at any time, from anywhere. Whether someone is looking for your contact details, learning about your mission, or seeking updates on your activities, a website ensures that this information is readily available.

Credability

A professional website enhances your organisation’s credibility and trustworthiness. In the modern world, people often judge the legitimacy of an organisation by its online presence. A well-designed website can convey professionalism, reliability, and transparency, which are crucial for building trust with your audience.

Communication

A website provides a platform to communicate your mission, updates, and events to your audience. It allows you to share news, publish articles, and announce upcoming events. This continuous flow of information keeps your community informed and engaged with your activities.

Engagement

A website can engage your community through blogs, newsletters, and interactive features. By providing valuable content and opportunities for interaction, you can foster a sense of community and encourage active participation. Features like comment sections, forums, and social media integration can further enhance engagement.

Resource Centre

A website can serve as a resource centre for your audience. You can provide educational materials, downloadable resources, and links to relevant information. This can be particularly valuable for non- revenue generating organisations that aim to educate and support their community.

Fundraising and Support

Even if your organisation is not focused on generating revenue, a website can be a powerful tool for fundraising and garnering support. You can create donation pages, showcase your projects, and highlight the impact of your work. This can help attract donors, volunteers, and partners who are aligned with your mission.

We were fortunate enough to receive funding to hire a web designer. However, if you do not have funding, don’t let this stop you from getting something online. You can start with a do-it-yourself (DIY) website and aim to update and improve it in the future if funding is secured.

Options for Do-It-Yourself Website

There are several companies that offer low-cost, easy-to-use website domains and hosting services. Here are a few options:

GoDaddy Create Account (please see link on LBFCIC website)

Cost: Starting at £3.99 per month.

Features: User-friendly website builder, various templates, and mobile optimisation.

Wix Website Builder – Create a Free Website Today | Wix.com

Cost: Starting at £3.00 per month.

Features: Drag-and-drop  editor,  customisable templates, and free domain for the first year.

Hostinger Hostinger – Bring Your Idea Online With a Website

Cost: Starting at £2.59 per month.

Features: Easy-to-use website builder, free domain, and 24/7 support.

IONOS Domain Names  »  .UK domain registration » Buy now | IONOS

Cost: Starting at £1.00 per month for the first year.

Features: Drag-and-drop editor, free domain, and SSL certificate.

Bluehost Shared Web Hosting Plans – Fast & Secure Shared Hosting

Cost: Starting at £2.95 per month.

Features: Free domain for the first year, 24/7 support, and WordPress integration.

These options provide affordable and accessible ways to create a website, ensuring that your organisation can establish an online presence without significant upfront costs.

 

In case your initial funding is limited, and you need to create your own website, we have prepared step-by-step instructions to help you get your website online. For this exercise, we have chosen GoDaddy as the platform for the instructions. GoDaddy is a popular and user-friendly option that offers affordable plans, making it accessible for organisations with limited budgets.

 

By following these instructions, you can establish an online presence quickly and efficiently, even without professional web design assistance. Once your website is up and running, you can always aim to update and improve it in the future as more funding becomes available.

Steps to Create a GoDaddy Website

Uploading Photographs to Your GoDaddy Website

 

1.             Access the Website Builder

Log In: Go to GoDaddy and log in to your account.

Manage Your Site: From your account dashboard, click on “Manage” next to your website builder plan.

 

2.             Navigate to the Page Editor

Edit Site: Click on the “Edit Site” button to open the website editor.

 

3.            Add a Section for Photos

Add Section: Click on the “+” (plus) icon where you want to add a new section.

Choose Section Type: Select “Photo Gallery” or “Image” from the list of section types.

 

4.            Upload Photographs

Add Images: In the photo gallery or image section, click on the “Add Images” button.

Upload from Device: Click on “Upload” and select the photographs from your computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

Drag and Drop: Alternatively, you can drag and drop images directly into the upload area.

 

5.            Organise and Customise

Arrange Photos: Once uploaded, you can rearrange the order of the photos by dragging them.

Edit Details: Click on each photo to add captions, alt text, or links if needed.

Adjust Settings: Customise the layout, spacing, and style of the photo gallery or image section.

 

6.            Save and Publish

Save Changes: After uploading and organising your photographs, click “Save” to apply the changes.

Preview: Preview your website to ensure the photographs are displayed correctly.

Publish: Click the “Publish” button to make your changes live on your website

Tips for Uploading Photographs

  • Optimise Images: Ensure your images are optimised for web use to improve loading times. Use formats like JPEG or PNG.
  • High-Quality Photos: Use high-resolution images for better visual appeal.
  • Consistent Style: Maintain a consistent style.

For all supporting documents please use the links below:

Companies House AP01 form

Companies House IN01 form

Companies House – SIC Codes

Directors Application form

Directors Pledge – Code of Conduct

Directors Pledge – Code of Conduct – Meetings

Form – CIC14

Form – CIC34 – short version

Form – CIC34 – short version – example

Form – CIC36

Form – CIC36 – example

Model Articles of Association – Small Membership (template)

Model Articles of Association – Large Membership (template)