New administrator for Baptist Building CIO 

Baptist Building CIO (BBCIO) has recently taken over the functions of the Baptist Building Fund (BBF) - and has a new administrator 

The trustees are pleased to announce that Mrs Emily Blake has been appointed in this role with effect from 1 May 2021. She succeeds Mr David Leverett who has held the post for 17 years.

BBCIO is an independent charity able to make loans to Baptist churches across the UK for building projects. The process of becoming a CIO was formally completed last summer, and the assets have now been moved over.

Andrew Burgess, chairman of BBCIO said, 'We are delighted that after an appointment process that attracted considerable interest, the trustees are able to announce the appointment of Emily as the new administrator for BBCIO.

'Emily has a legal background and has considerable experience in administration in the Christian and education sectors. Emily joins us at a time when the new CIO is taking over the activities of a fund that was established back in 1824.

'The trustees also want to pay a huge tribute to David Leverett who has acted as secretary/administrator for the past 17 years. David has always brought a diligent, efficient and humble approach to the role which has been appreciated by the many churches he has dealt with during that period.

'He has overseen significant developments in BBF during his time in the post, not least seeing us through the process of becoming a CIO. We are delighted that David will continue to act as a trustee.'

BBCIO is able to make loans of between £30,000 and £250,000 to Baptist churches across the UK for building projects.

In 2020 it launched a new fund to make grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 to small churches in deprived areas for vital building work essential for mission and so far almost £100,000 in grants have been made. The fund comes from part of the sale proceeds of churches that have closed where BBF was the ultimate beneficiary. The BBF supported Baptist churches for nearly two centuries, having been established in London in 1824.  
 

Churches who want details of loans and grants can obtain them from the website: baptistbuilding.org 

Or by contacting Emily: admin@baptistbuilding.org | 07506 663761.