BU Comms

[HertfordBee]

I didn't hear it but I imagine that it went something like this :

1) The Club has been in a mess for years and living beyond its means.
2) We are very lucky indeed to have the financial backing of a longtime supporter who is prepared to spend his own monies rather than ours.....not that there's any of ours left.......Noades did most of the job and just trying to survive after he pulled the plug.....(translation.... ran out of overdraft wriggle room in March 2003)......finished off any remaining equity in the Griffin Park asset.
3) If Matthew Benham had not stepped in then we would never have been able to do the Noades deal in January 2006 and in this writers view would have gone into administration in early 2006 or alternatively 'sold out' to a Noades Mark 2.
3) A succession of incompetent MD's/CEO's each handpicked to be worse than his predecessor speeded up the process a bit but given the way that the Club had been neglected and mismanaged over probably five or six decades we could have had Warren Buffett in and he'd have given up the ghost.
4) We now have an 'benefactor/investor' in the true sense of the word who doesn't want to be pictured strolling round Griffin Park holding up a giant cardboard cheque for £5,000,000 or being photographed with the team manager.
5) We do not have 'The Matthew Benham Stand' but he is content that it be called 'The Bees United Stand' and that is the measure of the man.
6) Matthew Benham deserves the maximum support and appreciation which doesn't mean wearing soppy white wigs (not that he's got grey hair yet but he soon will have) but it does mean supporting the club as best people are able and according to your individual means.
7) Neither Matthew Benham nor any of his people have ever written an article telling us how great he is nor slagged off supporters by calling them 'thick prats' and other lovely names.
8) Matthew Benham has never attempted to divide the supporter base........that was Noades genius......any article or comment was either dismissed as being by a 'thick prat' or he would seize on some uncrossed 't' or undotted 'i' and set his legal people on the case. We even had an article in the programme as we were gazing at the wreckage we had been left with telling us how good Noades had been for Brentford...... (coming soon to a programme near you...... an in depth analysis on what a difference Bernard Matthews has made to the lives of turkeys).
9) Finally if any Brentford supporters out there still don't know how lucky they are to still have a club welcome back from your trip to Planet Mars.

Did it sound something like that?

I realise that you are probably looking to concentrate your efforts a bit less widely than you have been doing on all our behalves for the last few years, but is there no way you could squeeze out a little bit more time for a consultancy role with the communication machines from both organisations??

Your posts alone - tone, style and content - make this board worth visiting Not that there was anything in the above post that should have been news to anyone, but for an ability to produce in a paragraph what others take a week wading through mud to replicate ... thanks!!

 

[marvelous007]

I realise that you are probably looking to concentrate your efforts a bit less widely than you have been doing on all our behalves for the last few years, but is there no way you could squeeze out a little bit more time for a consultancy role with the communication machines from both organisations??

Your posts alone - tone, style and content - make this board worth visiting Not that there was anything in the above post that should have been news to anyone, but for an ability to produce in a paragraph what others take a week wading through mud to replicate ... thanks!!

I agree, and I think that's a very good idea. For all Bees Utd achievements, I think there has been a commounication problem with Bees Utd and Bees fans wider audience.

I am a long standing supporter but not a member of Bees Utd.

However, I would join today and make regular monthly contributions but I do not have a clue how the funds would be spent and it appears to me, that I would not have much influence in that. If I knew that the money would go towards the Lionel Road project for example, I would join and contribute what I can afford (unfortuntley not a million pounds a year though)!. I think (but have not done any siginificant research) many more fans would too...

 

[Inappropriate Smilies Bee]

exactly. good idea. i learnt quite a bit from someone summarising stuff briefly. thanks abee.

 

[abee]

I realise that you are probably looking to concentrate your efforts a bit less widely than you have been doing on all our behalves for the last few years, but is there no way you could squeeze out a little bit more time for a consultancy role with the communication machines from both organisations??

I think it was Shirley Bee (Mike Rice) who posted a few weeks ago that unlike Mike I am free to post whatever I like on here and on my own responsibility. Indeed I do whenever the mood takes me without the need to refer to anyone for approval. BU and the Club have to be mindful that whatever they are posting/saying essentially becomes official and therefore the respective boards would be bound by the collective responsibility understanding. Thus whilst I can cheerfully bang on about Noades as 'abee' I would not be able to post anything with similar sentiments on the official site without referring to others.

It's as the Arabs say 'A camel is a horse designed by a committee'.

 

[westwing]

I agree, and I think that's a very good idea. For all Bees Utd achievements, I think there has been a commounication problem with Bees Utd and Bees fans wider audience.

I am a long standing supporter but not a member of Bees Utd.

However, I would join today and make regular monthly contributions but I do not have a clue how the funds would be spent and it appears to me, that I would not have much influence in that. If I knew that the money would go towards the Lionel Road project for example, I would join and contribute what I can afford (unfortuntley not a million pounds a year though)!. I think (but have not done any siginificant research) many more fans would too...

Most of the money paid to BU goes towards paying off a loan.

 

[marvelous007]

Most of the money paid to BU goes towards paying off a loan.

Understood, a loan which built up under the Noades era!.

Whilst it's important to pay off expsensive loans, we also need to start thinking about life beyond GP and how we are going to fund that. Whilst the two may go hand in hand, we really need LR to move this club forward off the pitch (and on it) and we will need to build up a staduim fund (like a deposit on a house) to achieve it or will this come down to MB and other sponsors to fund after 5 years?.

The other point is, when you join (other) supporters trusts, you get clarity or a say when making regular donation(s) where that money is actually going. We dont seem to get this with BU.

 

[abee]

The other point is, when you join (other) supporters trusts, you get clarity or a say when making regular donation(s) where that money is actually going. We dont seem to get this with BU.

I'm beginning to hate myself (join the club I hear you cry) but there's no need to download and if you click 'preview' on the 2009 accounts it's pretty well set out on pp15 and 16 re the BU income and where the money goes.

http://www.beesunited.org.uk/trust-downloads/category/14-group-accounts-financial-statments

 

[larrysigny]

I'm beginning to hate myself (join the club I hear you cry) but there's no need to download and if you click 'preview' on the 2009 accounts it's pretty well set out on pp15 and 16 re the BU income and where the money goes.

I think I understad what BU is all about and where it's money goes to - but the only thing is that there must be dozens more like me who'll look at pp15/16 and scratch their head wondering what it all means. My mathematical acumen stands still after working out that 2+2 equals 22 - so balance sheets are a complete mystery. Can't the BU spokesman (wooops, person) explain things in VERY simple terms for them wot ain't edjucated.


Sorry abee - I know you're doing your best but there are people who don't understand these things.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

I think I understad what BU is all about and where it's money goes to - but the only thing is that there must be dozens more like me who'll look at pp15/16 and scratch their head wondering what it all means. My mathematical acumen stands still after working out that 2+2 equals 22 - so balance sheets are a complete mystery. Can't the BU spokesman (wooops, person) explain things in VERY simple terms for them wot ain't edjucated.


Sorry abee - I know you're doing your best but there are people who don't understand these things.

I think the is being addressed by BU, according to this thread. I should imagine that a few more committee meetings will have it sorted.

 

[abee]

I think I understad what BU is all about and where it's money goes to - but the only thing is that there must be dozens more like me who'll look at pp15/16 and scratch their head wondering what it all means. My mathematical acumen stands still after working out that 2+2 equals 22 - so balance sheets are a complete mystery. Can't the BU spokesman (wooops, person) explain things in VERY simple terms for them wot ain't edjucated.


Sorry abee - I know you're doing your best but there are people who don't understand these things.

Pp15 and 16 tell us that BU had an income of £95,203 for the financial year ended May 31 2009. Of that total income £72,916 came from standing orders and £9,626 from annual membership subscriptions.

There was total expenditure £25,271 and listed are the ten categories of expenditure with the relevant amounts.

Taking the expenditure from the income left BU with a surplus for the year £69,932 and note 8 to the accounts tells us that £51,526 of the surplus was used to reduce the secured bank borrowing.

I was replying Larry to a post that suggested that other organisations provide details and that somehow BU doesn't and I was pointing any interested supporters to where they could see exactly the income, from where it was derived and how that income was spent.

 

[marvelous007]

Pp15 and 16 tell us that BU had an income of £95,203 for the financial year ended May 31 2009. Of that total income £72,916 came from standing orders and £9,626 from annual membership subscriptions.

I was replying Larry to a post that suggested that other organisations provide details and that somehow BU doesn't and I was pointing any interested supporters to where they could see exactly the income, from where it was derived and how that income was spent.

Thank you for your response, whilst it answers (in part) my intial query it would appear that the trust has no current vehicle for members to directly contribute/support the long term vision for LR, and the majority of funds are being used to pay back loans taken out under prevouis owner?. Whilst I apprecaite all your efforts, it is for this reason (no new staduim fund), I am currently unable "to join the club".

 

[Carri Bee Un]

Thank you for your response, whilst it answers (in part) my intial query it would appear that the trust has no current vehicle for members to directly contribute/support the long term vision for LR, and the majority of funds are being used to pay back loans taken out under prevouis owner?. Whilst I apprecaite all your efforts, it is for this reason (no new staduim fund), I am currently unable "to join the club".

BU was the previous owner? What are you on about? The funds that BU borrowed and raised from fans were used to keep the club afloat pre Benham. Those liabilities still exist and if they hadn't been raised in the first place nobody would be talking about Lionel ****ing road right now.

 

[marvelous007]

BU was the previous owner? What are you on about? The funds that BU borrowed and raised from fans were used to keep the club afloat pre Benham. Those liabilities still exist and if they hadn't been raised in the first place nobody would be talking about Lionel ****ing road right now.

Ron Noades is the a prevouis owner who I am referring to. The debts built up then and Bees Utd inherited them. The rest is history. As for the current MB deal, time will tell...

 

[Carri Bee Un]

BU's debts are not the clubs debts. I follow your point that they took over the club they inherited Ron Noades' debt, now Matthew Benham owns the club and its debts. BU need funds to pay off an external liability that exists because they owned a loss making club for a number of years. If they hadn't taken it over there likely wouldn't be a club or plans for Lionel road. That debt is the responsibility of anybody that considers themselves a brentford fan :shrug:

 

[DavidgRushden]

I have some difficulty understanding the original comment, and I don't consider myself "thick". I pay a fixed monthly direct debit to BU and the wording here is that I TRUST BU to use the money I subscribe each month for the benefit of Brentford Football Club and trust BU to do exactly that. I have no reason whatsoever to think anything other than that so why the derogatory comments against BU directors. Also, even with Matthew Benham in place, shouldn't we still be supporting BU to supplement the good works that Matthew is doing for our club?Without BU (before MB) there probably wouldn't be a BFC now?

 

[Fishing Bee]

Matthew Benham owns the club and its debts. :

Not doubting CBU for one minute here but does Matthew Benham actually own the club and it's debts. ( cue Banana )

 

[Banana]

Not doubting CBU for one minute here but does Matthew Benham actually own the club and it's debts. ( cue Banana )

Matthew owns 35% of the club, BU own 60%.

 

[Fishing Bee]

Matthew owns 35% of the club, BU own 60%.

Thank you sir for this confirmation which is much appreciated and has headed off discussions on the subject at Che'Patricks later this morning. (now when are you going to tell us what you were discussing "intensely" with the Leeds stewards/security representatives or do I have to start a new thread! )

 

[Banana]

Thank you sir for this confirmation which is much appreciated and has headed off discussions on the subject at Che'Patricks later this morning. (now when are you going to tell us what you were discussing "intensely" with the Leeds stewards/security representatives or do I have to start a new thread! )

It was disproportionate stewarding and stewarding policy as applied to home and away ends. Also, the picking and choosing of which ground rules to apply.

 

[Inappropriate Smilies Bee]

Matthew owns 35% of the club, BU own 60%.

interesting. thank you. this is the type of post/info us MTV generation of bees fans with no attention span to read more than 2 lines need.



:kiss:

 

[larrysigny]

Pp15 and 16 tell us that BU had an income of £95,203 for the financial year ended May 31 2009. Of that total income £72,916 came from standing orders and £9,626 from annual membership subscriptions.
There was total expenditure £25,271 and listed are the ten categories of expenditure with the relevant amounts.
Taking the expenditure from the income left BU with a surplus for the year £69,932 and note 8 to the accounts tells us that £51,526 of the surplus was used to reduce the secured bank borrowing.
I was replying Larry to a post that suggested that other organisations provide details and that somehow BU doesn't and I was pointing any interested supporters to where they could see exactly the income, from where it was derived and how that income was spent.

Thanks. 2+2 still equals 22 in my febrile mind, though - that's why I leave finances to genii like you.

 

[Carri Bee Un]

interesting. thank you. this is the type of post/info us MTV generation of bees fans with no attention span to read more than 2 lines need.



:kiss:

But it is misleading. In terms of control, aside from not being able to sell the only asset, Matthew Benham owns the club. The shareholding is irrelevant. unless BU win the lottery.

 

[Inappropriate Smilies Bee]

But it is misleading. In terms of control, aside from not being able to sell the only asset, Matthew Benham owns the club. The shareholding is irrelevant. unless BU win the lottery.

drat

Thank you sir for this confirmation which is much appreciated and has headed off discussions on the subject at Che'Patricks later this morning. (now when are you going to tell us what you were discussing "intensely" with the Leeds stewards/security representatives or do I have to start a new thread! )

banana attends brentford match shocker??!?!

 

[marvelous007]

I have some difficulty understanding the original comment, and I don't consider myself "thick". I pay a fixed monthly direct debit to BU and the wording here is that I TRUST BU to use the money I subscribe each month for the benefit of Brentford Football Club and trust BU to do exactly that. I have no reason whatsoever to think anything other than that so why the derogatory comments against BU directors. Also, even with Matthew Benham in place, shouldn't we still be supporting BU to supplement the good works that Matthew is doing for our club?Without BU (before MB) there probably wouldn't be a BFC now?

No derogatory comments from moi, but back to topic, I had a change of heart and will be bringing my completed Bees Utd form up with monthly standing order to GP today (on the way to Brighton). What I was trying to put across was the need to start a BU fund for the LR project but I do realise we are not starting with a blank sheet.

 

[Carri Bee Un]

Is there any way at all that I and my reply could take some credit for your change of mind? because then i'd feel better about letting my membership lapse because I'm lazy :shrug:

Join BU so I don't have to :thetruth:

 

[marvelous007]

Is there any way at all that I and my reply could take some credit for your change of mind? because then i'd feel better about letting my membership lapse because I'm lazy :shrug:

Join BU so I don't have to :thetruth:

No, I have not got that form in yet!, but I'm on the way (via few pubs in SW London) and will be getting very drunk this afternoon before the Brighton game. Hope they let me in (Bees Utd that is).

 

[Fishing Bee]

Matthew owns 35% of the club, BU own 60%.

Hi Banana - 3 days gone by and still waiting for confirmation as to who owns/holds the other 5%. Ta

 

[rebus]

Hi Banana - 3 days gone by and still waiting for confirmation as to who owns/holds the other 5%. Ta

Individual supporters account for the 5%. The full list can be downloaded at Companies House.

 

[Fishing Bee]

Individual supporters account for the 5%. The full list can be downloaded at Companies House.

Thanks rebus

 

[Banana]

Hi Banana - 3 days gone by and still waiting for confirmation as to who owns/holds the other 5%. Ta

Generally they are individual supporters that took part in the 1967 share issue. Not sure whot he third largest shareholder is now, but. from memory, I think it's the "The Supporters'" who own about 1100 shares.

 

[Banana]

I found this in an old post

I can give you Brentford FC's shareholders:

There are 200,001 shares issued.

Major Shareholders:
Altonwood Limited: 120,652 shares
Kingsmead Park Limited: 15,089
Marlborough House Investment: 50,000
"Supporters": 1,040
Dan Tana: 1,010
Estate of Walter Wheatley and another individual: 6,711

Altonwood's shares went to Bees United
Kingmead's went to Matthew Benham
Marlborough House's went to Matthew Benham: 50,000

can't remember what the breakdown of "Estate of Walter Wheatley and another individual: 6,711" was.

So, in any case, the largest shareholders are now

Bees United 120,652 (c.60%)
Matthew Benham between 65,089 & 71,800 (c.35%)
"Supporters": 1,040
Dan Tana: 1,010

 

[Paul USA]

Anyone got a share or shares they want to sell ?

 

[Fishing Bee]

Anyone got a share or shares they want to sell ?

I accept I am being a bit lazy here but anyone know what the current value is ( financial not emotional ) for a Brentford Share - the wife's birthday is on the horizon and want to get her something really special.

 

[rebus]

Shares have a "par" value but in reality the value is what they want to sell them for. Most of those on the register would like to hold on to them I suspect.

 

[Fishing Bee]

Shares have a "par" value but in reality the value is what they want to sell them for. Most of those on the register would like to hold on to them I suspect.

So they technically have no value then

 

[Banana]

So they technically have no value then

If you can't buy them then they have infinite intrinsic value.

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

Todays news about BU and Mr Benham is fantastic for the club. I assume Bees United will be communicating to its members a lot more over the coming period whilst the takeover/buy out occurs. Can BU please ensure any communication is actually user friendly and readable please. The recent newsletter that was sent to members contained such small print that is was extremely hard to read. Some members cannot use computers and therefore cannot get the relevant info from the various websites and rely totally on the written communication, if this isnt readable they are completely in the dark about what is going on. To read the latest newsletter my Grandad had to use a magnifying glass (he doesnt even need glasses so his eyesight isnt that bad, for an old chap) which is ridiculous. Can future information, that will undoubtedly be sent out to members over the coming weeks/months please be easier to read as unfortunately the recent document was unprofessional and embarassing, which is a real shame. Still a great day for BU and Brentford FC and i hope Mr Benham can take over and lead us to a successful future.

 

[wanderer paul]

Well said. Too late for me and a few others I'm afraid. Agree about last newsletter. Poorly printed. At least it was something though. Lack of comms left me thinking BU weren't too worried about the future.

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

Well said. Too late for me and a few others I'm afraid. Agree about last newsletter. Poorly printed. At least it was something though. Lack of comms left me thinking BU weren't too worried about the future.

I still think BU can be a valuable and vital organisation which is why i renewed my membership, despite the recent (partly deserved) bashing BU has taken. But if things like not even doing the basics right in the newsletter continue then it will be no surprise that membership declines as i fear it will have done this year.

 

[King Bee]

I still think BU can be a valuable and vital organisation which is why i renewed my membership, despite the recent (partly deserved) bashing BU has taken. But if things like not even doing the basics right in the newsletter continue then it will be no surprise that membership declines as i fear it will have done this year.

Thanks, we will definitely take your points on board for subsequent newsletters. The criticism about comms was well noted and something we're looking to improve. We were slightly hamstrung with what we could reveal over the last few months as evidenced by today's announcement. As ever I make myself available to anybody who has questions regarding BU and the football club, to which either I'm able to answer or direct you to the person that can.

 

[favershambee]

I've got 20 in Griffin Park Stadium Ltd but I intend to go into partnership with MB!!!!!!!

Anyone got a share or shares they want to sell ?

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

Thanks, we will definitely take your points on board for subsequent newsletters. The criticism about comms was well noted and something we're looking to improve. We were slightly hamstrung with what we could reveal over the last few months as evidenced by today's announcement. As ever I make myself available to anybody who has questions regarding BU and the football club, to which either I'm able to answer or direct you to the person that can.

Thank you

 

[Banana]

I found this in an old post



Altonwood's shares went to Bees United
Kingmead's went to Matthew Benham
Marlborough House's went to Matthew Benham: 50,000

can't remember what the breakdown of "Estate of Walter Wheatley and another individual: 6,711" was.

So, in any case, the largest shareholders are now

Bees United 120,652 (c.60%)
Matthew Benham between 65,089 & 71,800 (c.35%)
"Supporters": 1,040
Dan Tana: 1,010

So this deal would mean that Matthew would own 96% of the club, and that "Supporters" (who that is) would become the second largest shareholder. Not sure if Dan Tana still has his shares or not.

 

[West Cliff Bee]

We do seem to be entering a new era and as a longtime BU (financial) supporter I suspect the period of a paying a BU standing order may well be coming to an end. I've genuinely enjoyed being able to say I am a part of a fans owned club and would love to own a little part of the new BFC. I wonder if it would be possible for BU to ask Matthew if he would consider letting some of us buy into the new era i.e. buy non voting rights shares worth £1.00 each (wher BFC is valued at, say, £10m) for say £10.00 each. All such income to go to the playing budget / Lionel road fund. I just want to be a part of the new BFC....

 

[Brentford 4 Life]

Received a BU newsletter in the post this morning.

 

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

Received a BU newsletter in the post this morning.

Good news. Hopefully you find it an interesting read. We'd welcome any feedback.

If you're a BU Member and don't receive a Newsletter, please don't hesitate to get in touch, either via our email address [email protected] or directly to me via PM.

 

[TW3Bee]

I've received the newsletter, but I've not had a membership card.

Are these still being issued?

 

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

I've received the newsletter, but I've not had a membership card.

Are these still being issued?

Apologies, there should have been something about Membership Cards in the Newsletter, not sure why it's not there :blush

Given that all Trust Members have been automatically enrolled as Football Club Members, the need for separate Membership Cards no longer exists so we've therefore decided that for this season, Membership Cards won't be issued.

If you're a new Member joining this season, then receipt of our Newsletter is further acknowledgement of receipt of your membership application and payment and confirmation of your membership.

 

[DavidgRushden]

Owlsmoor _Bee, could you please advise. I have been a member of BU for many seasons now, but didn't receive a renewal notice this season. Is that due to the BFC membership,
or is BU membership still a separate entity please?

 

[hobbsy]

I think I may have slipped up as well as I always did my membership through the Season Ticket renewal.