Although the SBGAM has been in operation for many years, it was only in May 2004 that we became a registered charity in our own right (No. 1103484). Further details of our registration can be found at the Charity Commission’s web site.

(www.charity-commission.gov.uk).

Although we are affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), who are themselves a registered charity, we are unable to enjoy the many benefits of being registered ourselves.

We become registered so that we can realize some of these benefits, including:

• by being registered, we hope to further raise our profile in the community, to attract more associates and thus increase our membership;
• although we are able to apply for Lottery funding without being a registered charity, raising funds from the public, grant-making trusts and local government is generally far easier than not being not registered;
• as a Group, we should be exempt from paying income/corporation tax, capital gains tax, stamp duty, and any gifts to the Group will be free of inheritance tax;
• we will also be able to draw on the extensive knowledge and resources of the Charity Commission.