The Braided Rivers Community Trust was reconstituted from the Ashburton Licensing Trust (ALT) on 12th July 2021. Over recent years the ALT had been transitioning from its traditional activities of operating businesses in the hospitality industry in the Ashburton district, to a model where it operates predominantly as a landlord.
From 2011-2016 ALT sold their hospitality businesses they owned with the exception of the Devon Tavern. BRCT still owns two other properties, who are now leased out to private operators. The profits from the operation/lease of these properties along with other investments are used to make grants in the local community.
With these changes in mind the Braided Rivers Community Trust’s board has been working through a process of looking to the future and has developed Investment and Granting policies to support the needs in our community.
The broad strategy is to diversify the Braided Rivers Community Trust’s investment base so that it is no longer so reliant on hospitality property in Ashburton but contains a broader range of investments.
The Trust has begun investing its surplus cash into Equity and Bond investments managed by Jarden.