Who We Are

The CTBI is a registered charity that provides help for salespeople who cannot support themselves or their families due to illness, redundancy or low income/pension. We also give financial assistance to their widows/widowers or dependents.

The Commercial Travellers' Benevolent Institution was established by five Commercial Travellers meeting in the Union Hotel, Penzance, to deal with a case of need - one of their colleagues. This historic meeting resulted in the birth of the institution on 27th December 1849, at the London Tavern, Bishopgate, in the city of London. It was set up to help Commercial Travellers' and their widows who by reason of old age or difficult circumstances had been reduced to poverty and distress. Our main benefactor is Lord Leverhulme who named us in his Will. We help people with regular payments spending over £450,000 per year. It also incorporates the London Commercial Travellers' Benevolent Society.

The trustees and secretary meet five times a year, in London, to discuss and award grants to applicants where possible. In addition, an emergency committee has been elected to deal with urgent enquiries throughout the year.

There is no charge for our help, it is your right as a former sales employee, salesman or saleswoman to apply.

The CTBI is a member of The ACO.