B4RN and Our Investors
Since B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) is a Community Benefit Society, we aren't interested in commercial speculation; we only extend our network into communities where we are wanted.
Each new area that invites B4RN in needs to raise a certain level of investment to cover the work and materials required for their area’s installation. A significant amount of that cost is currently being met with government voucher funding.
Find out more about investing in B4RN
We have produced a short film that highlights how B4RN and rural communities have come together to build and provide a full fibre internet service to those places that are hardest to reach. Watch the video now to see how becoming members of the B4RN community, by investing in shares, provides a vital funding cornerstone.
We have produced an investment booklet that explains the need for investment and how to invest, including frequently asked questions.
Investment Offer - 2025
In February 2025, we introduced an exciting offer of a waived connection fee worth £60 and three months free service to new investors making an investment of £1,500 or more, subject to terms and conditions.
Shares
Every community’s core investment consists of shares in B4RN. B4RN will use its best endeavours to allocate your investment according to your preference but reserves the right to direct investment to develop the network generally.
Minimum shareholding £100 / maximum £100,000.
All shareholders are members of B4RN. One member, one vote.
Shares must be held for a minimum of 3 years.
Investment in shares attracts the current rate of 5%, which can be paid out or reinvested yearly. More details can be found here
Some shareholders choose to invest £1,500 and claim a waived connection fee worth £60. (Remember: The £1,500 must be invested in a single transaction and before the connection goes live to qualify for a waived connection fee and three months free broadband service. Full waived connection fee rules here)
Shares cost £1 each and can only be sold back to B4RN at £1 each.
Click here for a more in-depth explanation of how your investment will work.
Find Out More
For a more comprehensive outline of investing in B4RN, click here to view our Share Prospectus.
You can read the society's rules handbook by clicking here for full details of what it means to become a member of the B4RN Community Benefit Society.
B4RN is registered under the FCA Mutuals Public Register, Company Registration Number 31352R (Our publicly filed Accounts and Annual Returns can be found here)
Apply
Should you wish to invest in B4RN shares now:
Download the Share Form here or email shareregistrar@b4rn.org.uk for a copy.
Print and fill out the form. You can ask for your investment to be linked to your local project.
Post your signed form to: B4RN, Station Yard, Melling, Carnforth, LA6 2QY or email your signed form to: shareregistrar@b4rn.org.uk
Pledging
If you'd like to make an investment pledge (with payment only required if your local project goes ahead), please complete the relevant online Pledging Form here.
Once you submit the form, a personalised pledge document will be generated for you to sign.
If you choose to sign by hand, we will email you the pre-generated form for you to print, sign and return to us by email to pledge@b4rn.org.uk or by post to:
Broadband for the Rural North Ltd
Station Yard,
Melling
LA6 2QY
If you choose to sign electronically, there's no need to email or post anything we will email you the pre-generated form to sign and submit back to us.
Please do not send any funds at this stage.
Alternatively, a downloadable form for copy Individual and Joint pledging can be found here
A form for organisations and businesses can be found here
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