Report on Future Organisation

In accordance with the MCTi Re: Sourcebook, the Exe Valley Plan has, since June 2006, been carrying out preparatory work for developing a local social enterprise organisation to implement the projects in the Plan and undertake further work in connection with the vision of the Plan. After examining precedents set by other group members of the MCTA, and legal alternatives available, it was decided to form a limited company (not for profit) to be known as "Exe Valley Enterprises" (E.V.E.). This company will be registered as a charity with the Charity Commission, and controlled by a board of elected directors/trustees drawn from volunteers resident in and around the area covered by the Plan. Supporters of, and participants in, the Exe Valley Plan, and all concerned local residents are being encouraged to join as members, giving them the right to attend meetings and elect the company’s directors.

The advantage of having Exe Valley Enterprises as a legal entity is that it can employ staff, enter into contracts and qualify for significant funding and investment opportunities. As a company limited by guarantee, it also protects members and directors against any personal liability for any projects that may encounter difficulties.
A major task of Exe Valley Enterprises will be to support the various projects identified in the Plan, and bring them to fruition. A flexible approach will be required, as some large projects may wish to form their own governing bodies and develop separately from, but in cooperation with, E.V.E. Some projects will be led by Tiverton Chamber of Commerce (IT projects), the Friends of the Pannier Market (market associated projects),
and the Mid Devon Transport group (transport projects). A co-ordinating office, led by a Community Agent, will be required to provide supporting administrative services, hold records, control accounts and other organisational tasks.

It is probable that the local people involved in the governance of E.V.E. and its component projects will require training to help them develop the necessary skills and understand their roles and responsibilities. This may well commence with a skills audit and involve professional help which should be readily available within the wider community, including Devon based organisations.
Gordon Davies
Chairman of the Governance subcommittee
September 2006

Exe Valley Enterprises Ltd

Exe Valley Enterprises Ltd. was registered with Companies House on 7th November 2006. The directors are applying for charitable status following the company launch and first AGM on 5th December 2006. The company is controlled by a board of elected directors / trustees, drawn from volunteers resident in the area covered by
the Exe Valley Plan.

Although Exe Valley Enterprises is a fledgling company at this point in time, the directors have met promptly to discuss the way forward. The following executive summary has been agreed, and will be explored in greater detail from January 2007.

Objects of the company

The objects of the company are to promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvement of the natural and built environment of the Exe Valley area.

Mission Statement

The intention of Exe Valley Enterprises Ltd. is to
• realise the vision in the Exe Valley Plan and the objects of the company through the implementation of the projects outlined in the Plan, and
• review, update and develop the Plan regularly to ensure that the objects of the company are met.

Project Facilitation and Implementation

A flexible approach will be required. Some projects led by Focus Groups will be directly dependent for assistance in implementation by Exe Valley Enterprises Ltd. Others may start within the umbrella of Exe Valley Enterprises
Ltd, but over time, develop their own governing bodies, and administer awarded funds themselves, buying in the services of a project administrator.

Project Prioritisation

The directors will prioritise projects on the basis of their stage of development, the level of community support for individual projects, the funding available to individual projects, and opportunities presented to facilitate the
implementation of individual projects, particularly in terms of partnership working. The Exe Valley Plan group, together with Cullompton Gateway Trust and Crediton Market Towns initiative, has representation on the Local
Strategic Partnership through their Community Co-ordinator, Dr. Fern Clarke, and it is hoped that partners will assist in the implementation of projects.

Powers of the Company

These include powers to raise funds, acquire and dispose of property, to borrow, to co-operate with other charities and exchange information and advice, to establish charitable trusts formed for any of the charitable purposes included in the objects, to hold reserves, and to employ staff for the purposes of carrying out the
objects.