COMMUNITY BENEFITS GROUP CIC

The DotComUnity Disability Directory was created to provide a free online directory of services for a care company, supporting people with learning disabilities living in Dorset.
www.dotcomunity.org.uk Find it, Use it, Rate it...
Immediately it was recognised that there was a UK wide need for such a service. DotComUnity, a social enterprise was provided with funds to expand its service to the whole of the UK.

Following its re-launch in July 2015, the DotComUnity Directory platform remains free to use and continues to provide access to a directory of services. It provides a calendar of events and a five-star feedback rating system (trip advisor style) giving users the power to rate the services they use.

Members can apply to bring DotComUnity into the heart of their community by becoming a licensed member of the Branch Network.
All members have access to a vast array of member benefits including benefits to support communities, social inclusion, financial inclusion and Health and Independent Living.

DotComUnity Centres CIC has built on the established ethos and values of the “DotComUnity Brand” by creating the DotComUnity Cloud, a centralised infrastructure platform, focused on providing all members with the leading edge Web and IT tools, administration and support they need to make their lives better.

DotComUnity Centres CIC offers membership benefits that have been created to support local communities, independent living, financial and social inclusion, with a continuing commitment to supporting all those with learning and other disabilities, their families and wider circle of support.

MEMBERS BENEFITS:
The DotComUnity Directory enables communities to come together, local businesses to promote their services and volunteers to support when help is needed.
In recent years new Member Benefits have been introduced to provide a range of Financial, Health and Wellbeing, Social and Community benefits.

Existing benefits include but are not limited to:

The Directory
IT and Cloud Services
Data Solutions
Websites, Design and Graphics MABSS
Social Media and Marketing Services E-Banking Services *
Financial Services
Debt Advice Services
Pensions and Auto-Enrolment Payroll Services
Landlord and Tenant Services Healthcare Services
Care and Safeguarding Services Insurance Services
Student Services
Supporter Trust Services
Legal Services

All member benefits are designed to underpin the value of membership and to be of value to members
EBanking is provided by Oblong Cards:
Oblong is a prepaid card provider that has partnered with DotComUnity to provide an e-Account. The e- account offers a prepaid VISA card and gives members a unique account number and sort code. No credit checks are required.
The account enables the member to receive payments in, for example wages, benefits, bursaries.
They also offer a range of payment services including, standing orders, transfers and international payments.
The Oblong card has an envelope system. This allows money to be reserved into envelopes to assist managing money and ensure that bills are paid on time. Once reserved, any surplus money left is available to spend.
The Oblong card can be self-managed or DotComUnity can manage it for you.
The card and banking product provides a discrete account away from core banking accounts.

DotComUnity has also helped over 100 communities to become licensed “Branches” to bring membership and member benefits into the heart of their communities.

DOTCOM UNITY SOURCES OF INCOME:
a. Membership Fees.
DotComUnity membership fees are paid annually.

Individual Fee - £30
Concessionary Fee - £12
Business/Corporate Fee - £90 + VAT
Branch Fee - £2450 + VAT then £295 annually.
IAP Fee - £170 + VAT

b. Loans Placed with Third Party
DotComUnity will receive introductory Commission from these loans, defined as proportion of the interest charged which will be dependent upon specific agreements.

c. Oblong Cards
DotComUnity receive 50% of fees that members pay for the services (net of any costs) together with a share of any commissions on gross spend.

d. Managed Account Fees
DotComUnity charge a fee for the managed accounts. This fee varies on the level of management that is required. The fee can be anywhere between £3 and £10.

e. Auto Enrolment Pensions
DotComUnity receives 20% commission of the sales and any ongoing charges.

f. Payroll
DotComUnity receives 10% commission of the sales and any ongoing charges.

g. Members Car Club offered to Membership Organisations.
DotComUnity will receive an average of £400 per car sold, with the lending being provided by Credit Unions or Banks who are the introducing party.

TEAM:
Richard Nichols - CEO General Secretary:
Leads on marketing and communication – as general secretary of DotComUnity CIC he helped establish the UK's number 1 online directory for disabilities services. He previously developed and rolled out the first stakeholder pension plan, establishing the business from scratch and rolling out UK-wide.

Mike Grimsdale A.C.I.B - Chief Operating Officer:
Leads on banking operations- with a successful banking career behind him, Mike has a clear understanding of products and services and a particular strength in effecting new services and business growth.

Bill Hall – Chairman:
Leads on policy, tolerance and equality – having served 20 years with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Bill is now heavily involved with a number of Scottish Housing Associations. His goal is to produce affordable housing, sustainable employment and improve communities, encouraging social and financial inclusion.

The investment will allow support the restructuring of the business and allow the business to expand its services and marketing capabilities.