Investing in us

Everything we do is about making a difference; making a difference to the world we live in and sharing the good we do with our members.

Choosing to invest with us means you'll be helping the only co-operatively owned telecoms business in the UK to grow and develop. That's good news for all our customers and members.

We'll pay you interest on your share capital. This is set at a variable rate, and the aim is to provide a good deal in comparison with bank or building society savings rates.

The current rate is 2.25% gross per annum (as of 14/05/2009). That's in addition to your Member Dividend.

How much should I invest?

The minimum investment is just £1, although we do like to encourage members to consider investing more than that. Under current legislation, the maximum amount anyone can invest is £20,000.¹

To provide the finance we need to in order to continue to expand, we need the equivalent of approximately one to two months’ customer billing, so you might like to consider investing roughly the amount you spend with The Phone Co-op in one or two months. We recognise that not everyone will want to invest that much. On the other hand, some members may wish to invest a larger amount, and of course we welcome that.

Investments and withdrawals

Investments and withdrawals of share capital can be made by post. Withdrawals can be made at any time without penalty and will normally be processed within one week of receipt of a member's request.

The notice period for withdrawals is set by the Rules at one week. However, the board has the power to waive this and, unless there are exceptional circumstances, it would normally do so.²

Payment of interest

Interest will be credited to your account once per year.³ Interest is paid gross without deduction of tax, and it is the responsibility of members to declare the interest received on their tax returns, and to pay any tax due. Currently, the interest rate is 2.25% gross per annum.

You can choose to waive the interest and/or dividend on your share account in favour of our Sustainability Fund.

To do so, please download and complete our form.

How do I invest?

Please see this page for information and investment forms.

The risks of investing

Members should be aware that share capital in a co-operative is risk capital. Ultimately, if things were ever to go wrong for The Phone Co-op, share capital would be at risk. We aim to build a strong and successful co-operative business, with more than enough assets to cover its members' capital.

However, as an organisation committed to openness and transparency we feel it is only right that we should warn members that there is some risk. Please see the note below on the code of practice we adhere to in relation to share capital.

Code of Practice

The Society, unlike banks and building societies, is not subject to prudential supervision by the Financial Services Authority. The Phone Co-op abides by a code of practice which requires it to provide a statement to its shareholders of the nature of their investment and any change affecting it.

The position you occupy as a shareholder of The Phone Co-op is no different from that of a shareholder in any other corporate body in the sense that, if The Phone Co-op fails, you may not have all, or any of your investment returned to you.

Your liability, however, does not extend beyond your own investment. Your investment is withdrawable without penalty.⁴

If you have any questions regarding the code, please address them to: The Secretary, The Phone Co-op Limited, 5 Millhouse, Elmsfield Business Centre, Worcester Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5XL.

What if I have any questions?

If you have questions or would like further information, 0845 458 9003 or ask a question by filling in our form; we will respond to you, within three working days.

¹An exception applies to other societies incorporated under the Industrial & Provident Societies Acts, where there is no maximum. back

²The Board also has the power to suspend withdrawals. back

³Subject to approval by members at the Annual General Meeting. back

⁴If you make withdrawals leaving a balance of less than £1, you will cease to be a member. back