How a CIC Keeps Profits Locked in Purpose: The Asset Lock Explained
One of the most common questions people ask about wellbeing organisations like ours is simple: “Where does the money go?”
It’s an important question, especially in a world where people are rightly cautious about how funds are used. At Back to Being, we’re proud to say we operate with something called an asset lock — a legal safeguard that guarantees every penny is used for the community.
What is the Asset Lock?
The asset lock is a central part of being a Community Interest Company (CIC). Put simply, it means the company’s profits and assets are permanently committed to its community purpose. They can’t be taken out for personal gain or sold off to benefit private individuals.
In other words, the asset lock keeps us honest. It ensures that everything we earn is reinvested into delivering therapies, workshops, retreats, and community spaces that improve wellbeing.
Why It Matters for Wellbeing Projects
Wellbeing can sometimes feel like a luxury industry — expensive treatments, high-end retreats, wellness only for those who can afford it. At Back to Being, we wanted to challenge that. The asset lock means we can:
- Offer accessible pricing so more people can access life-changing therapies.
- Fund community projects like group programmes for stress reduction or support during menopause.
- Provide scholarship spaces or free events for those who need support most.
The asset lock protects not just our purpose, but also your trust.
The Ripple Effect of Locked-In Purpose
Every time someone books a therapy, joins a retreat, or donates to our work, they’re part of a bigger picture. That choice helps fund sessions for someone who can’t afford it, creates spaces of stillness in the community, and contributes to reducing stress-related health issues in Devon and beyond.
It’s more than a transaction — it’s a ripple effect of care.
A Model for the Future
The asset lock shows what’s possible when business is reimagined as service. It’s not about taking from the world, but giving back. For us at Back to Being, it’s not only a legal requirement — it’s a sacred promise.
Your trust, your wellbeing, and your community will always come first.
