The Bee Hives CIC — Information

Who We Are

The Bee Hives CIC is a Manchester-based social enterprise and soon-to-be-registered Community Interest Company (CIC). Founded by Sophie Kelly, a former care leaver, and her brother, we are dedicated to creating sustainable, affordable housing for local working people who fall through the cracks of traditional housing systems.

Where We Work

The Bee Hives CIC focuses on creating sustainable, affordable housing across Manchester, Salford, and the Greater Manchester area. Our goal is to serve key workers, carers, hospitality staff, delivery drivers, retail workers, and other essential community members across these vibrant and interconnected communities.

Residency & Eligibility

To prioritise support for our local community, The Bee Hives CIC offers homes primarily to working adults aged 18 and over who either:

• Have lived in Manchester or the surrounding Greater Manchester areas (including Salford) for a minimum period, or

• Are employed within Manchester or the Greater Manchester area.

This approach aligns with common council housing eligibility criteria, ensuring our chalets go to key workers and community members genuinely connected to the area.

Our Mission & Values

• Sustainability: Building eco-friendly homes powered by green energy

• Affordability: Providing housing options that local workers can truly afford

• Community: Creating homes that foster connection, dignity, and stability

• Experience-led: Rooted in lived experience of housing insecurity, ensuring real-world solutions

Social Inclusion

We are committed to providing accessible, affordable housing that supports a diverse range of residents and complies fully with the Equality Act 2010. Our mission is to create stable homes that foster dignity and opportunity for all eligible community members, free from discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, or any protected characteristic.

Environmental Responsibility

Our homes are designed with sustainability at their core — built using eco-friendly materials and powered by renewable energy. This commitment helps reduce the carbon footprint of our communities and aligns with national and local environmental goals.

Financial Transparency and Reinvestment

As a Community Interest Company, The Bee Hives CIC pledges that all profits and surplus funds will be reinvested into developing more affordable, sustainable housing projects — not distributed to shareholders.

Community-Led Governance

We actively involve local residents, partners, and stakeholders in our decision-making processes to ensure that our projects truly meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Supporting Public Sector Social Value

Our work aligns with the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, helping councils and public bodies meet their social, economic, and environmental objectives through partnership and shared goals.

Our First Project

Our pilot project will develop three off-grid chalet homes designed with nature in mind. These homes will be:

• Powered by renewable energy (solar panels, batteries)

• Built with sustainable, locally sourced materials

• Designed for comfort and affordability, offering long-term security

How You Can Help

• Councils & Landowners: Partner with us by identifying and leasing underused land for our projects

• Funders & Sponsors: Support our mission by investing in affordable, green housing initiatives

• Volunteers: Offer your skills in construction, community outreach, or administration

• Media & Press: Help us spread the word and raise awareness of community-led housing solutions

Contact Us

For more information, partnership inquiries, or media requests, please use our [contact form] or email us at: Sophie@Thebeehivecic.com