Community Interest Luton

What Community Interest Luton does

Community Interest Luton (CIL) is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) and registered charity (Charity Number 1173433, CIC Number 08545848) founded in 2009 and headquartered at 30 King Street, Luton, United Kingdom. The organisation coordinates community services across Luton and Bedfordshire through an interconnected portfolio of seven programmes: the monthly Community Magazine (10,000 readers, advertising-funded since 2009), the Annual Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards (now in its 17th year, sponsored by Pictons Solicitors), Curry Club monthly business networking (launched 2011), the LETS (Luton Employability Training Skills) Hub (launched March 2015, having supported 800+ clients and placed 125 people into employment), the LETS Fair partnership event with Job Centre Plus and Luton Borough Council, the Weekly Curry Kitchen charity meal programme, and the Love Luton Run Fest (returning 2026).

CIL's business model is decentralised and community-led, generating revenue from magazine advertising sales, event sponsorship, awards category sponsorship packages, and Curry Club attendance fees. It does not develop, own, or license any proprietary technology platform; its digital infrastructure is limited to a WordPress website and standard social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube). The organisation relies on a partnership network of 30+ named collaborators spanning schools and multi-academy trusts (Barnfield College, University of Bedfordshire, Pioneer Learning Trust), the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Bedfordshire Police, Luton Borough Council, Job Centre Plus, BLMK Integrated Care Board, Mary Seacole Housing Association, and local businesses (Howdens, Jewsons, Cawleys, Ryebridge Construction, Bartham Group, Diverse FM).

The go-to-market motion is community-led engagement, with services delivered through direct face-to-face contact at the LETS Hub town centre office, large-scale events (LETS Fair, Community Awards, Love Luton Run Fest), and distribution via the partner network. Customer segments span unemployed individuals (primary persona), local businesses and charities (networking and sponsorship customers), and the broader Luton/Bedfordshire community (magazine readership and awards participation). Pricing is not publicly disclosed; only Love Luton Run Fest entry fees are itemised (£20 for 5K, £30 for 10K, £40 for Half Marathon, affiliated runners). No funding rounds, headcount figures, or revenue figures are publicly disclosed.

Name

Community Interest Luton

Legal name

Community Interest Luton

Website

https://ciluton.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Community Interest Luton is a not-for-profit CIC and registered charity founded in 2009 that coordinates community programmes in Luton and Bedfordshire, including a monthly magazine, annual community awards, business networking events, an employability hub, and fundraising runs, serving local residents, businesses, and partner organisations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Services

NAICS

Employment Placement Agencies (561311)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Mentorship & Coaching (Career, Academic, Industry-Specific) (EDAMAKAA)

Keywords

• Community services
• Employment training
• Community magazine
• Business networking
• Community awards

Headquarters

HQ city

Luton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Community Magazine Advertising: The Community Magazine, first published in 2009, is a monthly publication funded by advertising revenue. It has a broad readership of 10,000 people and is supported by local partners and the community.
2. Event Sponsorship: CIL generates revenue through sponsorship of community events including the Annual Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards and Love Luton Run Fest. Sponsors receive marketing exposure and community involvement benefits.
3. Curry Club Business Networking: Monthly Curry Club networking events for local businesses, community organisations and charities generate revenue through event attendance fees while also fundraising for the Curry Kitchen charity initiative.
4. Awards Sponsorship Packages: The Annual Community Awards offer sponsorship packages for organisations to sponsor specific award categories, providing exposure through the awards' extensive marketing and promotional channels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Community Interest Luton is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company and registered charity that coordinates community programmes to reduce unemployment, raise skills levels, increase volunteering, and promote educational opportunities across Luton and Bedfordshire. Its portfolio includes a monthly Community Magazine, the Annual Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards, Curry Club business networking, the LETS Hub employability programme, LETS Fair employment events, the Weekly Curry Kitchen food charity, and the Love Luton Run Fest. Revenue is generated primarily through magazine advertising, event and awards sponsorship, and event registration.

Product overview

Community Interest Luton (CIL) is a not-for-profit company and registered charity that operates as a community services organisation rather than a technology product company. Its portfolio consists of seven interconnected community initiatives: the Community Magazine (monthly publication), the Annual Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards (annual ceremony), Curry Club Networking (business networking events), the LETS Hub (employment and skills programme), LETS Fair (job and apprenticeship fair), Weekly Curry Kitchen (food charity), and Love Luton Run Fest (fundraising running event). These programmes work together to achieve CIL's aims of reducing unemployment, raising skills levels, increasing volunteering, and promoting educational opportunities in Luton and Bedfordshire.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Annual Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards An annual ceremony celebrating unsung heroes of the diverse and multicultural Luton and Bedfordshire community, recognising individuals and organisations across categories including volunteering, business excellence and community service. The event is funded through category sponsorships, with Pictons Solicitors as headline sponsor since inception.
• Community Magazine A monthly community magazine first published in 2009, funded by advertising revenue and supported by local partners. It serves as a link between local businesses, the community and public sector entities, with a readership of 10,000 people. Offers both print and digital advertising options.
• Curry Club Networking A monthly business networking event launched in 2011 that brings together local businesses, community organisations and charities over curry. Generates revenue through event attendance fees and supports charitable initiatives including the Weekly Curry Kitchen.
• Luton Employability Training Skills (LETS) Hub An employment and skills programme launched in March 2015 providing one-to-one support to unemployed individuals for a minimum of 12 weeks. The service assists local people to increase employability, provides training courses and soft skills programmes, and brokers between employers and clients including work experience placements and apprenticeships. Delivered from the LETS Hub town centre office at 30 King Street, Luton.
• LETS Fair A large-scale employment and apprenticeships fair held in partnership with Job Centre Plus and Luton Borough Council, bringing together employers, job seekers and training providers at Venue Central, Luton. Includes an Apprenticeships and Careers Fair component.
• Weekly Curry Kitchen A weekly charity initiative where volunteers and local restaurants prepare and serve hot meals to those in need every Friday in Luton. Supports families experiencing hardship and provides a welcoming environment for community members to find support.
• Love Luton Run Fest An annual running event featuring 5K, 10K and Half Marathon categories, organised by Community Interest Luton and Luton Lions. The event raises funds for local charitable causes including the Luton Hygiene Bank and Curry Kitchen. Affiliated runners register for £20 (5K), £30 (10K) or £40 (Half Marathon).

Quantifiable outcome

• 125 people placed into employment over four years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pictons SolicitorscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of Luton's leading law firms and active community supporter. Headline sponsor for the Luton Community Awards since the beginning.
• Barnfield CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome to over 7,000 learners of which more than 2,000 are full time. Education sector partner supporting CIL's skills and educational objectives.
• Bedfordshire Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepresenting 700 businesses with around 50,000 employees across all sectors. Works at local, national and international level to support businesses from sole traders to multinational corporations.
• Diverse FMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal radio station which supports Community Interest Luton with advertising of the Annual Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards.
• Pioneer Learning TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA small but growing Trust of collaborative schools in Luton consisting of Chantry Primary Academy, Southfield Primary Academy and Whitefield Primary Academy.
• Bartham GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides a full range of print services including litho, digital and large format printing. Founder Mostaque Koyes also runs the Bartham Group.
• The Culture Trust LutonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts and cultural charity providing engagement with museums, arts centres and libraries for regular users from Luton and further afield.
• Luton RisingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness and social enterprise owned by Luton Council for community benefit. Largest asset is London Luton Airport, described as the most socially impactful airport in the country.
• Bedfordshire PoliceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to keeping Bedfordshire safe by working collaboratively with partners and communities to fight crime and protect those who live and work in the area.
• The Mall LutonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSub-regional shopping centre situated in the heart of Luton's town centre, owned by Capital and Regional. Provides retail partnership opportunities.
• Venue CentralminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAffordable, luxurious and conveniently located venue providing the perfect setting for weddings, conferences or events. Largest venue in the area with high level of personal service.
• University Of BedfordshireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA vibrant, ambitious academic community celebrating diversity and the transformative power of education.
• Chiltern Training GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWell established School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) provider based at Challney High School for Boys in Luton and Parkfields Middle School in Toddington.
• Chiltern Learning TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to the highest standards of teaching and learning for all learners within school communities.
• The Shared Learning TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStand-alone multi-academy trust running a family of five schools currently based in Luton and Bedfordshire.
• Denbigh High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThriving and happy learning community committed to working with parents and carers. CIL ran a project with 20 young people from this school.
• Putteridge High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated to the education of the whole person within a caring community where each individual is valued.
• Liberty Law SolicitorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpecialist and bespoke advice for businesses and individuals within Criminal Law, Immigration Law and Employment law.
• Plain Talking HRminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides excellent HR advice, getting to know clients and understanding company cultures and business needs.
• MasterChef LutonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndian takeaway based in the heart of Luton offering classic dishes and chef's specialties.
• HowdensminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPersonal insurance service in Luton since the 1960s, formerly known as A-Plan.
• Aegis Support ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDelivers quality security services maintaining latest registered industry standards with SIA registered personnel.
• CawleysminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThird-generation family run business with over 70 years' experience delivering sustainable solutions and helping businesses save money.
• JewsonsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBuilder's merchant with 27 branches nationwide, specialising in timber, bricks, landscaping and more.
• Ryebridge ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEstablished roots in Luton recognising the proud history, cultural diversity and huge potential in the town, using local recruitment and resources.
• Cougar Accident and RepairsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEstablished in 1995, key member of Luton business community for nearly three decades.
• Safer Luton PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks with statutory, business, voluntary and community partners to deliver projects maintaining and increasing quality of life for local people.
• BLMK ICB (Integrated Care Board)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrings together health and care organisations across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to collaborate on health and care of local population.
• Mary Seacole Housing AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides supported accommodation and resettlement to homeless young people and those aged 16 to 65.
• Job Centre PluscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment employment service partnering with CIL on the LETS Fair to tackle issues of low skills and unemployment in Luton.
• Luton Borough CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government authority partnering with CIL on the LETS Fair to address unemployment and skill shortages in the town.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• UK Community Foundations: UK membership network of accredited community foundations delivering local grantmaking and philanthropy. Comparable to CIL's grant administration and partnership role in the Bedfordshire sub-region, but with a grantmaking (not service-delivery) focus.
• Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES): UK think-tank and advisory body focused on local economic development, including employment and skills policy. Comparable to CIL's mission of reducing unemployment and raising skills in a defined locality, though operating as a policy/research organisation rather than a frontline deliverer.

Direct peers

• Catch22: National UK charity delivering employability, skills and education programmes, including welfare-to-work contracts. Highly comparable to CIL's LETS Hub one-to-one mentoring and job brokerage activities, but at national scale.
• The Big Issue: UK social enterprise that publishes a magazine while creating economic opportunities for vendors, combining a recurring print publication with a charitable mission — directly comparable to CIL's advertising-funded Community Magazine and employability-style social impact model.
• Reed in Partnership: Operates employment, health and skills programmes for government across the UK, including welfare-to-work. Comparable to CIL's LETS Hub model and partnership with Job Centre Plus, but at significantly greater scale.
• PeoplePlus: UK employment-services provider running welfare-to-work and skills programmes on behalf of DWP and local authorities. Closely matches CIL's LETS Fair and LETS Hub activities from a service-delivery perspective.
• The Prince's Trust: UK youth charity providing mentoring, training and employment support, including programmes in Luton and Bedfordshire. Overlaps directly with CIL's LETS Hub employability and skills mission and competes for the same funder and beneficiary pools.

Broad incumbents

• Citizens UK: National community-organising alliance of civil society institutions working on local issues including employment and skills. Comparable to CIL's community-coordination role and partner-led model, though operating at city-wide rather than single-town level.
• Locality: UK membership body supporting over 2,000 community organisations with resources, advocacy and training. Comparable to CIL as a community-sector organisation but operating at national federation level rather than single-town delivery.
• Local Trust (Big Local): National charity running the Big Local programme, which distributes £1m+ to residents in 150 areas for community-led projects. Comparable to CIL's place-based community-development model and Lottery-style grant administration.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CILuton
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRUebm9WGYZYxy7K_SgSO2A
• Facebookfacebook.com/CILuton
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-interest-luton

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Interest Luton