Bees United (Brentford Football Community Society Limited)

BIAS (Brentford Independent Association of Supporters) spent three years developing the idea of forming a fans co-operative, a period in which several options were considered. The concept was somewhat sketchy until the Government, partly in response to the reports by the Football Task Force, announced they were launching Supporters Direct.

This new organization was founded with the specific aim of helping football fans gain greater involvement in the running of their clubs, Brentford supporters were among the first to contact them.

The official launch of Supporters Direct was in September 2000, but by then the ball was well and truly rolling. After approaching the club to discuss the idea of forming a trust, attending seminars and arranging a meeting between the club and Supporters Direct, plans were made for a formal launch.

BIAS approached the fanzines (Beesotted, Hey Jude, Thorne in the Side) and Brentford Supporters Association, who all pledged their support. With the football club behind us as well a public meeting was called in Stripes where a steering committee was formed.

One month later, in April 2001, Bees United was launched at Hounslow Civic Centre in the company of hundreds of fans, as well as directors of the club, former players, the Mayor of Hounslow, the Mayor of Ealing plus Hounslow Borough MPs Alan and Ann Keen. Dean Gaffney (Robbie in Eastenders) sent a video message of support and there were also messages of support from Alan Simpson (scriptwriter of Hancock and Steptoe & Son) and Minister for Culture, Media and Sport Chris Smith. Former players Jimmy Hill, Jim Towers, Ken Coote, Tommy Higginson and Jamie Bates also sent messages, as did manager at the time Ray Lewington.

The legal title of Bees United is "Brentford Football Community Society Limited". An Industrial and Provident Society, it is a mutual society meaning that everyone has an equal share, and it is registered at the Registry of Friendly Societies, which ensures it operates in accordance with the law which governs all Industrial and Provident Societies.

The aims of Bees United are varied, although the primary aim is to ensure the long term future of Brentford Football Club. It will engage in fund raising activities and will use those funds to take a stake in the football club, leading to the appointment of an elected representative of the supporters to the board of directors.

Its other aims will be to forge closer links with the Community and it has already entered into a partnership with the club's own Football in the Community scheme. Bees United believe that Brentford's community extends beyond just the people who live in Brentford, it includes the businesses that operate in the area as well, and reaches beyond the boundary of Brentford as a town. Brentford is the local league club for the people of Chiswick, Ealing, Feltham, Hayes, Richmond, Twickenham, Southall and Staines as well as many other smaller towns and villages in West Middlesex and North Surrey.

This means that the community is not limited to the Borough of Hounslow either and the aim is to target the neighbouring boroughs of Ealing, Hillingdon, Richmond and Spelthorne too. The make up of the Society Board ensures that supporters, local people, local businesses and the Local Authorities are represented. it is a true partnership and one that needs and deserves the support of everyone.

Events took a further turn, when it was announced on January 28th 2002 that Bees United Chairman John McGlashan announced that he was offered (and then accepted) a place on the board of directors of Brentford FC Ltd. In June 2003, controlling shareholder Altonwood Ltd would, subject to agreement, transfer its interest in the club to Bees United under an agreed timetable if Altonwood and former Chairman Ron Noades could be released from its financial guarantees.

John McGlashan stepped down as Bees United Chairman in March 2003. He was replaced by Brian Burgess.

In January 2006, Bees United became the majority shareholders in Brentford FC, making it London's first community-owned professional football club.

Application forms for membership are available from the club, from Bees United and the Bees United website (www.beesunited.org.uk).

Mailing address:

Bees United,

Griffin Park

Brentford

Middlesex

TW8 0NT

website: http://www.beesunited.org.uk.

e-mail: admin@beesunited.org.uk.

Tel: 0845 166 7222.