New Pioneers
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Transcript of New Pioneers
Front cover: The Green Valley GrocerThis page: Oxford Cycle Workshopinside back cover: Unicorn Grocery
1 New Pioneers
I am delighted to introduce our first annual report which describes the national roll out of our programme of specialist advice and training for co-operatives following a successful pilot project.
I am also very pleased to announce that The Co-operative Group will be investing £7.5 million in The Co-operative Enterprise Hub over the next three years. This demonstrates our solidarity and commitment to the wider co-operative sector.
A significant proportion of this investment is used to support a free advice and training service to new and existing co-operative enterprises,
The Co-operative Group
of co-operative development professionals.
After providing advice and training, the co-operative development advisers are able to recommend further support from the Hub in the form of finance packages.
The Co-operative Enterprise Hub is witnessing a growth in the number and diversity of co-operative enterprises. Communities are setting up, running and growing member-owned enterprises, embracing the spirit of co-operation and having a say in the running of businesses and services that impact on them.
The co-operative approach itself is enjoying renewed interest from a public concerned for environment, ethical trading and sustainability - from pubs to grocers and cafes to childcare, it is seen as an
attractive business model for
entrepreneur.
As a modern, effective and relevant approach to business, the co-operative business model has, without doubt, an exciting part to play in fostering future UK enterprises.
I hope that you enjoy reading about some of the diverse and interesting co-operative enterprises we have been supporting over the last year.
Modern, effective and relevantBy Kathryn SmithChair of The Co-operative Enterprise Hub
2
November 2010
This year, for the first time ever, expert advice on how to set up and develop a co-operative has been made available throughout England and Wales, free of charge.
This remarkable development in specialist business support is the result of generous investment by The Co-operative Group combined with detailed planning, market testing and
development.
The initiative started as a pilot project in the North West region, which successfully assisted 50 co-operative enterprises. The Co-operative Enterprise Hub started to be rolled out nationally in September 2009. Regional consortiums of co-operative development professionals have now been set up in every English region and in Wales. Consortiums are expected to be established in Scotland and Northern Ireland early in 2011.
A package of advice and finance is provided to help new and existing co-operatives become more sustainable businesses. By the end of October 2010, over 300 co-operative enterprises had been approved for free advice and training.
This promotion of the co-operative model is proving popular with ethically-motivated entrepreneurs because
Advice, training and consultancy are provided free of chargeSupport is provided by co-operative development professionalsLoans are available without security or personal guarantees.
This initiative is helping to improve the availability and quality of advice, training and finance for co-operative businesses across the UK.
There is also a growth in regional co-operative networks, providing opportunities for co-operative enterprises to discuss, learn and do business with like-minded entrepreneurs.
The Co-operative Enterprise Hub welcomes applications from all kinds of co-operatives and from people who want to set them up. To be eligible for free advice, the venture must be:
Building a strong co-operative economy
A co-operative, or soon to be a co-operative
Free advice, training and consultancy is available to help existing co-operatives to adapt and grow, to help people set up new co-operatives and to assist in the conversion of existing enterprises to co-operatives.
An incorporated body or soon to be incorporated
Free advice and training is only available to organisations that are (or are about to be) registered companies, industrial or provident societies, limited liability partnerships or similar bodies. The Co-operative Enterprise Hub can also help you to register your enterprise.
Based in the United Kingdom
Free advice is only available to co-operatives whose registered office is in the UK.
Accessing the free advice and support available from The Co-operative Enterprise Hub is easy.
Everything you need to know, including a simple application form, is on the website www.co-operative.coop/enterprisehub.
We welcome applications from all kinds of co-operatives; from established businesses and from groups about to set up a new co-operative enterprise.
In particular we offer support to co-operatives that arePreparing to start tradingIn their first year of tradingExperiencing rapid growthPlanning to move premisesNeeding to buy equipmentDeveloping a new product, service or marketWanting to change their management or structure.
If your application is eligible it will be passed to the lead co-operative development organisation in your region. Within a few days a consultant will contact you to make an appointment.
The consultant will usually visit you to discuss your business needs in detail and will then prepare a proposal. This might include business consultancy, management training, a finance package of a small grant and a loan ... whatever the consultant and your co-operative think is the best way of ensuring the sustainability of your enterprise.
The consultant then sends the proposal to our head office for approval. The Co-operative Enterprise Hub will pay for up to
financial, staffing, legal and governance advice.
The Co-operative Enterprise Hub can also help co-operatives to access finance to help them start up and grow.
We have a small amount of grant funding available to help co-operative enterprises become sustainable. Applications for grants (up to a maximum of £5,000) will only be considered in conjunction with a loan application. Grants are only available to co-operatives that have received advice and training from The Co-operative Enterprise Hub.
Building a close link between advice and training, grants and loans will help us to achieve our aim of creating a thriving co-operative economy.
We work closely with The Co-operative Loan Fund, which supports co-operative enterprises throughout the UK through the provision of accessible, ethical loan finance.
It exclusively lends to co-operatives and is entirely funded and run by co-operatives, so unlike many conventional lenders it truly understands and actively supports democratically owned and controlled enterprises.
The Co-operative Loan Fund is willing to make unsecured loans and does not ask for personal guarantees.
Loan applications are welcome from co-operatives that require finance to
Set up a new enterprise Expand an existing enterprise Assist employee buyouts or company successions Purchase a property or business Purchase capital equipment or create working capital.
Free accessible and relevant support for co-operatives
New Pioneers 3
right to try to save their pub
through co-operative models.
This approach has been
extremely successful in saving
Peter Couchman
Chief Executive, Plunkett Foundation
The heart of the community
through coright to tr
tive move their p
operaat-through co
ey to saavright to tr
odels.pub
l
yy
through co
This a
extremel
PetChiePete
ph coroac
essful in
opugh co
This approach has been
extremely successful in
nPlunkett Fou
tiveef Executive,er Couchman
vingavsa
tionundaat
Concern for community is a core co-operative principle. In recent years co-operatives have been very successful in using the power of community ownership to take over the running of shops, pubs and green spaces where private enterprise has failed.
Metfield Stores
The George & Dragon
Metfield Stores
Metfield Stor
Concern for community is a corprinciple.
ery successful in using the powcommunity ownership to takbeen v
es Metfield Stor
Concern for community is a corears co-oper
ery successful in using the powcommunity ownership to tak
ecent y In rprinciple.
e e
er of er the running
ativoper-e coConcern for community is a corves haativears co-oper
ery successful in using the powve ocommunity ownership to tak
of shops,enterprise has failed.
een spaces wherenterprise has failed.
pubs and grof shops,
ate e priveen spaces wher
es Metfield Stor
es Metfield Stor
gagongge & Dr The Geor
The Green Valley Grocer
Metfield Stores
Our Shop Our Pub Our LandCommunity co-operatives have been very successful in saving village shops. The same spirit of co-operative enterprise has also been transforming urban shops, pubs and open space.
The Green Valley Grocer“We were all working to one common goal which was to ensure
our community continued to thrive.”
uOuO
ohr Sub ur Pu
pbobp
uOuO
Community co-operage shops.villa
b ur Pur Lau
ve been vertives haCommunity co-operaThe same spirit of co-operage shops.
b dny successful in save been ver
tive enterprise has also The same spirit of co-opera
ving y successful in sa
tive enterprise has also
ge shops.villaorming urban shops,been transf
The same spirit of co-operage shops. pubs and open space.orming urban shops,
iven right an when we inning of the project,b
eistering the business and estae
ble to sell shares to local oy had one month to get the e onlWe
tive enterprise has also The same spirit of co-opera pubs and open space.
nterprise Hub was gbegeeded assistance with a
egow we were aeople.
t the iven right a when we
needed assistance with a constitution,blishing istering the business and esta
ble to sell shares to local y had one month to get the
tive enterprise has also
Slaithwaite,een VGr
oceralley GrroT een VVaThe Grre
, is one of a k hiYYest WSlaithwaite,
oceralley GrV in
y had one month to get the e onlWe and without the support a fast a
ve been impossible.r
“
eople.all rolling,rnaround would ha
l wle aree wWWe“mmoe cno oto es tah wcihwummor cuo
y had one month to get the and without the support a fast
ve been impossible.
g nikrol wl aon goe rusno e
y tinu
Slaithwaite,rowing number of community-owned g
shops.closed in Maset up a co-operathe community to purchase shares in the business and haweeks,community-owned shop.
is one of a orkshire,YYoest WSlaithwaite,rowing number of community-owned
rocers reengWhen the local group of residents y 2009 a gclosed in Mat would allow tive thaset up a co-opera
the community to purchase shares in the In just 15 ve control.business and ha
rocers reopened as a reeng the gcommunity-owned shop.
roup of residents
the community to purchase shares in the
rocers reopened as a
the project has brought the community yone involved wanted the Ever.together
project to be successful and we were all working to one common goal,to ensure our community continued to
Not onlthrive.
ummor cuoo td teunitnoc
the project has brought the community yone involved wanted the
project to be successful and we were all which was working to one common goal,
to ensure our community continued to y were people investing
y tinu”.evirho t
opera-coGraham Mitchell,
co-operafinance and run a local shop.
was the onl
believes the community tive,opera chair of the Graham Mitchell,
y to tive model is the ideal waco-operafinance and run a local shop.
ge y solution to keep our villawas the onl
ge
y were people investing Not onlthrive.y through the purchase of their mone
but people volunteered their time shares,
esMetfield Stor olk,f in Suf,y community-owned shops,man
or miles around.y shop fthe onla convenience store with a strong
y were people investing y through the purchase of
but people volunteered their time
like olk, is y community-owned shops,
It is or miles around.a convenience store with a strong
business as a co-operatural fit,a na
rocerreengg
tive seemed like business as a co-opera as no one wanted to be a tural fit, yet no one wanted to lose it.,rocer
tive seemed like
yet no one wanted to lose it.
emphasis on local produce,bles and bread. vegetat,mea
y volunteers and open seven y bentirel
ge of just 400 residents.or a villaf
including emphasis on local produce,fed It is stafbles and bread.
y volunteers and open seven
ge of just 400 residents.
Busy Bee Toy Shop
The George & Dragon
Busy Bee Toy Shop
Metfield Stores
“The main driver was the number of local
people who were sad to see the shop shut.”
l good factor as setting
New Pioneers
r wevirn diae mhT“f lr oebmue nht
7
s ar wl aco
inal shop closed in 2005,When the origgers came together with the roup of villag
aim of promoting a community buyout,
Metfield es Metfield Storre
a inal shop closed in 2005,gers came together with the
aim of promoting a community buyout,
Busy Bee Tt community-owned shops shows tha
ouYYoy co-ops need.
y ShopoTTo , in Manchester,t community-owned shops
ne to roll your sleeves up
tive Enterprise opera-The Cobehalf of Hub.
ture of the advice and training provided na
f lr oebmue nhte sreo whe wlpoep
uhp sohe she tes
tive Enterprise
ture of the advice and training provided
l acoo d tae s
”.tu
aim of promoting a community buyout,t a public meeting no consensus but a
could be reached on how to do it. with the building going the last moment,
a resident volunteered to or auction,up fbuy the premises if the community could put it in order and run it as a community shop.
Earlier this year the shop was in financial
aim of promoting a community buyout,t a public meeting no consensus
At could be reached on how to do it. with the building going
a resident volunteered to buy the premises if the community could put it in order and run it as a community
Earlier this year the shop was in financial
When the owner of the much loved toy shop decided to retire after 25 years,the residents of Chorlton fcommunity co-opera
Thebusiness.build local support,plan and invited people to buy shares in the co-opera
When the owner of the much loved toy shop decided to retire after 25 years,
ormed a the residents of Chorlton ftive to take over the community co-opera
y held several meetings to The drew up a business build local support,
plan and invited people to buy shares in y In just five weeks thetive.the co-opera
ture of the advice and training provided na
y well networked and got support was verfrom a number of sources including
y dipped into Thesome other co-ops.ble from the Hub as and vailathe advice a
ture of the advice and training provided
y well networked and got support from a number of sources including
y dipped into ble from the Hub as and
Earlier this year the shop was in financial gers rallied ficulty and the villadif
round and raised another £10,000 from a community share issue.
tive Enterprise Hub.opera-Coalso sought the assistance of
t the value of getting specialist advice thatives became about co-operaaThe Guild,y from y KellSall
has been helping y the Hub,ged benga
Earlier this year the shop was in financial gers rallied
round and raised another £10,000 y Thefrom a community share issue.
It was then tive Enterprise Hub.The also sought the assistance of
t the value of getting specialist advice pparent.tives became a
the consultant The Guild, has been helping
raised enough to buy the name and stock and take on the lease.
oyTToBusy Bee ownership.
of local people who were sad to see the
raised enough to buy the name and stock y 2009 In Juland take on the lease.
oy Shop re-opened under new
eple who were sad to see the
agonge & DrThe Geor in Hudswell,,
y owned pub.tivelopera-examples of a co is one of the verorkshire,YYoNorth
in Hudswell,
y owned pub.y few is one of the ver
has been helping y the Hub,ged bengaits change to business the
In 2006 the business had been istered as a community interest reg
y shares.y limited bcompantivelorm was relathis legal f quite wha as it turns out,was not,
gers required.villa
has been helping structure.legal its
In 2006 the business had been istered as a community interest
At the time y shares.y new but it tivel
t the quite wha
considered taking it on themselves but no one felt the
tive because we wanted the opera-coy to do it alone.energ
The 115 members of the coy residents of Chorlton or are mostl
people who ha
considered taking it on themselves y or y had the monebut no one felt the
tive because we wanted the ormed the e fWy to do it alone.
tive opera-The 115 members of the coy residents of Chorlton or
ve links with the area.people who ha
taking decisions on the tive,co-operabasis of one person one vote when in
ve been on the basis of fact it should ha
taking decisions on the basis of one person one vote when in
ve been on the basis of
people who haSeveral of them fvisiting Busy Bee
y were children.the
The co-operager and two part-time stafmana
tive also relies on volunteers fco-operagement,mana
in the shop.
ve links with the area.people who hay remember ondlSeveral of them f
oy Shop whenTTovisiting Busy Bee y were children.
tive employs a store The co-operaThe f.ger and two part-time staf
or tive also relies on volunteers ftion and to help administragement,
Bus Bus
ge hall but no There is a villaHudswell.The closure of the fice.shop or post of
August 2008 was a blow to the pub in as well as the ge,bric of the villasocial fa
loss of a local business.
About 250 people live in
y Shoy Shopy Be osy Bee TTo
ge hall but no The closure of the
August 2008 was a blow to the as well as the
tive Enterprise Hub being The Co-operaof ive advice to existing co-ops as ble to ga
y need it.and when the
tive Enterprise Hub being ive advice to existing co-ops as
in the shop.
oyTToBusy Bee consultancy from Co-operaMutual Solutions (CMS) working on
Visit www
oy Shop received free tive and consultancy from Co-opera
Mutual Solutions (CMS) working on
.slaithwaite.coop metfield.org.uk busybeetoyshop.co.uk Visit www
loss of a local business.
By June 2009 the empty pub remained
fer to buy it.tive and made an ofopera-coormed a gers funsold and so the villa
.slaithwaite.coop metfield.org.uk busybeetoyshop.co.uk
By June 2009 the empty pub remained
fer to buy it.ormed a
.slaithwaite.coop metfield.org.uk busybeetoyshop.co.uk
Heptonstall Allotment Garden Society
The George & Dragon
Heptonstall Allotment Garden Society
“It wouldn’t work having members
arguing about the price of beer.”
8
land is being developed as community allotments.
land is being developed as community allotments.
Heptonstall Allotment GarSociety near Hebden Bridge,,
is one of the thousands k hiYY
den Heptonstall Allotment Garest W near Hebden Bridge,
is one of the thousands
members arguing a
With thousands of pubs closing each man,year
bout the price of members arguing a
With thousands of pubs closing each y other communities want man
is one of the thousands orkshire,YYoof allotment societies in the UK tha
tives.te as co-operaoperations but manted organisaincorpora
Heptonstall was not but the gnot.y needed to become t theound thasoon f
a legal entity to pursue their ambitious plans to buy the land and develop the
y sought advice from Theallotments.
is one of the thousands t of allotment societies in the UK tha
Some are y are tions but man
roup Heptonstall was not but the gy needed to become
a legal entity to pursue their ambitious plans to buy the land and develop the
The y sought advice from
one of the directors of the Martin Booth,
gagongge & DrThe The Georrg
one of the directors of the
ollow the example of Hudswell to fCommunity Pub.looked as though government funding would be athe progcoalition government.
I“h
ollow the example of Hudswell Earlier this year it Community Pub.
looked as though government funding te this but ble to facilitavailawould be a
y the ramme was cancelled bthe progcoalition government.
k rot w’ndluot wIrs ebmeg mnivah
tive Enterprise Hub.Co-opera
taking ownership of the allotments ving them fand then preser
helped them choose the right legal fy were quite clear thaTheand set it up.
tive Enterprise Hub.
taking ownership of the allotments or future ving them f
orm helped them choose the right legal ft y were quite clear tha
accepted it and wanted to complete the sale within a ridiculousl
e had to explain thaWscale.
istered an industrial and roup regThe g prepared a business ,provident society
issued a prospectus and raised plan,
accepted it and wanted to complete y short time the sale within a ridiculousl
tic t democrae had to explain tha
istered an industrial and prepared a business
issued a prospectus and raised ttended bwas afirst co-opera
hugra
tive opera-The Coy ttended by owned pub - which tivelfirst co-opera
rs ebmeg mnivahcire pht tuobg aniu
”.reef bo
y were quite clear thaand set it up.tive structure but y wanted a co-operathe
there were some complica
Now all 22 allotment holders are activelinvolved members of the co-opera
one of the members Mark Simmonds,
t our project from an someone look a
e c
y were quite clear thative structure but
e also Wtions.there were some complica
y Now all 22 allotment holders are activeltive.involved members of the co-opera
one of the members
t our project from an
issued a prospectus and raised plan,£224,000 in share careceived advice and support from a
tive Enterprise Hub.opera-The Coferent sources,number of dif
gon is now owned bThe George & DraHudswell Community Pub Ltd,
y owned and controlled bticalldemocra
issued a prospectus and raised y Thepital.£224,000 in share ca
received advice and support from a
tive Enterprise Hub. including ferent sources,
y gon is now owned b which is Hudswell Community Pub Ltd,
y y owned and controlled b
ttended bwas aEnterprise Hub,Co-operaCo-operaorganisathemselves to supporting the 82 communities thapplied fa
cancelled prog
tive operaThe Coy ttended btion, the Plunkett FoundaEnterprise Hub,
tive & Community Finance,Co-operative tives UK and other co-operaCo-opera
y committed Thetions.organisathemselves to supporting the 82
t had already communities thaor assistance from the pplied f
ramme.cancelled prog
tion,
tive
t our project from an someone look a
Allotment Garden Last year Heptonstall Society won the Morrisons /
ward fa or the bes
t our project from an
Allotment Garden Action Earth Society won the Morrisons / p jst project in
y person or organisaAnits members.can become a member bshares; the minimum investment is
t least 40% of the shareholders must alive in the parish of Hudswell.
tive has aThe co-operato run the business.
tion y person or organisay purchasing can become a member b
shares; the minimum investment is
t least 40% of the shareholders must live in the parish of Hudswell.
ppointed a tenant tive has aThe tenant is free to
to help these communities t the government has tha
Couchman,of the Plunkett Founda
the same level as it would ve been,ha
to help these communities t the government has
chief executive Couchman,tion.of the Plunkett Founda
the same level as it would b h h i
Hepton Hepton
ocden SocietAllotmnstall Allotment Gar
ty
November 2010
y business decisions but there make all keare various conditions to ensure tha
or community events.pub is used fy in the pub and part of the is a librar
y business decisions but there t the are various conditions to ensure thaThere or community events.
y in the pub and part of the
ve been,hadown the co-operareceive support from highl
ve been,te willdown the co-opera
y experienced receive support from highl
.richmond.org/community/hudswellpub eastsideroots.org.ukVisit www
but those choosing tive pub route will
y experienced orthe North of England f
reen areas in their communitying gchang
.richmond.org/community/hudswellpub eastsideroots.org.uk
orthe North of England f
.reen areas in their community
.richmond.org/community/hudswellpub eastsideroots.org.uk
Eastside Roots
Elmrise Chalet Park
Eastside Roots
Elmrise Chalet Park
“Our seasonal sales and our workshops and
music evenings have been very successful, attracting over 100 people each time.”
Eastside Roots runs a community garden
t a local railcentre a
New Pioneers
t the time but thetive at a co-operai it th b i
9
y t the time but thewere running it on the basis of one
y wat a local railcentre a Over tion in Bristol.sta
tive,opera-the cothe last three years
y ying almost entirelrel has on volunteers,
ormed a piece transfof derelict land into a vibrant,
As well as selling community space.
l lli whoMarianall as selling who Marian,
Eastsid Eastside Roots
tadmits thatadmits tha
.
membership is voluntartives,opera as with all tive but,
tive.
were running it on the basis o
ho is now the chair
chalet owners can become the co-opera
ere are 99 chalets on the sitemembers of the co-opera
were running it on the basis of one
All chalet owners can become members
.y membership is voluntar as with all
There are 99 chalets on the site and 96
the community garden centre plants,hosts training workshops and music
Eastside Roots also runs a evenings. allotments and an orchard ,yplant nurser
.yt another site nearba
yone who does voluntarAnEastside Roots can become a member
tive and there are of the co-opera
the community garden centre hosts training workshops and music
Eastside Roots also runs a allotments and an orchard
or y work fyone who does voluntarEastside Roots can become a member
tive and there are
got involved just over a year aenthusiastic a
term business plan,
was go,got involved just over a year about the training.enthusiastic a
t t wha looking aterm business plan,
t chalet ownership want to make sure tha
te to the highest Elmrise tries to opera It was the first environmental standards.
ales to take up a Carbon Wy in compan
t chalet ownership
te to the highest It was the first
ales to take up a Carbon
of the co-operaThere is also a y 15 members.currentl
gement committee thamanaThis year there was a major .yannuall
change of personnel in the manacommittee and also the funding fone paid employee had come to an end.
nosaer suO“kd
There is also a t is elected gement committee tha
This year there was a major gement change of personnel in the manaor the committee and also the funding f
one paid employee had come to an end.
Her advice to other co-opera
small and concentra
Elmrise Chalet Pales,West Win
The members own their own park.s elal sand h
tors is Her advice to other co-opera
te on looking after small and concentra
arkElmrise Chalet P fan t Llanstef a,y home is a mutual holidaales,
The members own their own
ales to take up a Carbon y in companrust loan to improve environmental Tficiency and it has won a Green Draef
gement.or environmental manaward fa
tive The Co-operaIt has contacted or help in accessing Enterprise Hub f
or further improving the finance fAlex Bird of bio-diversity of the site.
.coop said:consultancy
rust loan to improve environmental gon ficiency and it has won a Green Dra
gement.
tive or help in accessing
or further improving the Alex Bird of
skrowr uod naninevc eisumcuy sren veebvg onitcartta
h tcae elpoep
and the co-operachalets,freehold land,
ture resera naswimming pool.uncommon with residential developments but it is a ver
homes.
d nas pohe vas hgn, lufssecc
0 0r 1ev”.emih t
tive owns the and the co-opera together with open areas,freehold land,ve of 6.5 acres and a ture reser
This arrangement is not swimming pool.uncommon with residential developments
y rare example of but it is a ver
.coop said:consultancy
who charge reedy landlords,y gy verbhigh rents and impose restrictions such
vans or chalets from y buying caraas only be unique in not e think this maWthem.
who charge high rents and impose restrictions such
vans or chalets from y be unique in not
ving a paid co-ordinamoving from hay decisions,y-to-dawho made the da
ything ourselves and ving to do everha
Enterprise tive Co-operaThe
tor ving a paid co-ordina to y decisions,
ything ourselves and
provided Hub Enterprise
y Elmrise Chalet inallOrigPark was owned b
set up in 1972,,ycompanwith a few shareholders who owned several chalets.1997 most of the directors had left or retired.chalet owners froup and persuaded the g
y Elmrise Chalet te y a privaPark was owned b
set up in 1972,with a few shareholders who
By owned several chalets.1997 most of the directors
The had left or retired.ormed a chalet owners f
roup and persuaded the
or the committee a training course ft included an introduction to members tha
tic meeting skills democratives,co-operaand the duties of the compan
or the committee t included an introduction to
tic meeting skills .yy secretarand the duties of the compan
roup and persuaded the gremaining director to let them take over
roup and persuaded the remaining director to let
.them take over Elmrise Ch Elmrise Chal
arklet PPa
Protecting our environment
The Co-operative is combating
climate change to make life good
for everyone
Co-te
The Co-
climaat
or everf
ttive is com
lifeat
-operag
at
e change to make lifetive is comba
raat
yoneor ever
ting
te change to make life good
The Co-operative is among the world’s leading businesses when it comes to taking up the challenge of combating global climate change.
As well as being directly involved in wind farms, solar power and its own energy efficiency programme, it is supporting many other climate change initiatives via The Co-operative Enterprise Hub.
All of the diverse co-operative enterprises supported have one thing in common - they are democratically owned and controlled and fully accountable to their members.
New Pioneers
11
ativThe Co-operleading businesses when it comes to taking up the challenge of combating global climate change.
ell as being dirAs w
orld’e is among the wativleading businesses when it comes to taking up the challenge of combating global climate change.
ed olvectly invell as being dir
s orld’leading businesses when it comes to taking up the challenge of combating
ed
ell as being dirAs win wind farms,
gy efficiencown ener
change initiativit is supporting many other climate
Enterprise Hub.
ed olvectly invell as being direr and its solar powin wind farms,
amme,ogry prgy efficienc
oper-es via The Cochange initiativit is supporting many other climate
Enterprise Hub.
ed er and its
amme,
e ativoperit is supporting many other climate
erse co-operAll of the diventerprises supported hain common - they arowned and contraccountable to their members.
e ativerse co-opere one thing venterprises supported ha
atically e democrin common - they arolled and fully owned and contr
accountable to their members.
e one thing atically
Torrs Hydro New Mills
Norton Energy Community
The Renewable Energy Co-operative
Generating energy from renewable resources and reducing carbon emissions are activities that can bring communities together using co-operative models.
Clean Green Energy
Torrs Hydro
o New Millsorrs HydrTTo
y owned hydropower tivel
energting Generat can bring communities together using co-operatha
o New Mills yshire, in Derb,
y owned hydropower
,yEnergproviding sustaina
kYYin
resources ble renewafrom y energt can bring communities together using co-opera
y a community interest company consultancy ble energproviding sustaina
orkshire and Humberside.
reducing and resources tive models.t can bring communities together using co-opera
y consultancy The aim is to help the community to reconnect with their local environment as a source of wellbeing.
are emissions carbon reducing tive models.
The aim is to help the community to reconnect with their local environment
The purpose of
activities are
y owned hydropower tivelopera-co and one of the first scheme,
tive Enterprise Hub.opera-The Coy benvironmental projects to be supported
ted bElectricity is genera called ,Archimedes screw.eirWorr TTot installed a
community co-opera
y owned hydropower and one of the first
tive Enterprise Hub.environmental projects to be supported
y a reverse ted bArchie, called
y a It is owned by the tive set up b
orksYYoin
opera-coThe Norton Energ
the local community around the ancient market towns of Norton,Campsall,will all hathe two proposed wind turbines.
orkshire and Humberside.
tive will consist of members of operay Community The Norton Energ
the local community around the ancient Sutton and market towns of Norton,
Members . near DoncasterCampsall,ve common ownership of will all ha
The the two proposed wind turbines.
tive will consist of members of the local community around the ancient
as a source of wellbeing.y to raise caissuing shares is not onl
ge the community and but also to engage their investment of interest encoura
tion.and co-opera
y came into its own via community reall
The purpose of pital y to raise ca
ge the community and ge their investment of interest
y came into its own via community
orts and investment of local people,fefbusinesses and supporters of renewa
The Co-operay schemes.energis the principal lender to the scheme and
rant of £45,000 was provided ba gtive Enterprise Hub.Co-opera
Archie supplies the ,ytelppropriay aerVtive Food store in New y Co-operanearb
orts and investment of local people,ble businesses and supporters of renewa
tive Bank The Co-operais the principal lender to the scheme and
The y rant of £45,000 was provided btive Enterprise Hub.
Archie supplies the tive Food store in New
y generaenerg
opera-cotional Grid,Na
will be reinvested in order to benefit their community the most.
ted will be sold to the y genera
tive will decide how this profit opera and members of the tional Grid,
will be reinvested in order to benefit their community the most.
will be reinvested in order to benefit their
the consultant enga[Hollings,t our meetings Hub] provided advice a
y helped with improving and reallunderstanding in the community
ive the community a voice.ble to gaound it much more difve fwould ha
The Comovement without to get a handle on the co-opera
y the ged b the consultant engat our meetings
y helped with improving He was .understanding in the community
e Wive the community a voice.ficult ound it much more dif
tive opera-The Cotive to get a handle on the co-opera
y Co-operaMills.
Since this success other communities are developing similar schemes.
tive Enterprise Hub is The Co-operasupporting the development of another
working with tives,opera-co10 community-owned hydropower
Enterprises.
Since this success other communities are developing similar schemes.
tive Enterprise Hub is supporting the development of another
ter Power aW working with 10 community-owned hydropower
eativoper-Cogy able EnerThe Renew
in Cornwall,,y systems both ble energrenewa
or individuals and community-run fThis helps customers tions.organisa
to reduce carbon emissions and it also provides them with the potential to earn
opera
gy installs in Cornwall,
y systems both or individuals and community-run
This helps customers to reduce carbon emissions and it also provides them with the potential to earn
Enterprises.
gy CommunityNorton Ener is preparing to orkshire,YYoin North
set up a community-owned wind orm of co-operaThis ffarm.
enterprise has been used y in some 20 other successfull
communities in the UK,is the first to be assisted b
gy Community,od
tive orm of co-operaenterprise has been used
y in some 20 other but this communities in the UK,
y is the first to be assisted b
preparing toowned wind
provides them with the potential to earn tive also sources The co-operaincome.
its supplies from manufacturers thas
it is looking ,yAo
tions to provide free ror schools and e
m
strict environmenAdditionallo partner with comrganisaectricity fmmunity centres
provides them with the potential to earn tive also sources
t its supplies from manufacturers thameet its strict environmental criteria.
it is looking to partner with community
tions to provide free or schools and
community centres.
is the first to be assisted btive Enterprise The Co-opera
Hub and the first in a series of community-owned projects
y Origted bto be opera
November 2010
y is the first to be assisted btive Enterprise
Hub and the first in a series of community-owned projects
in y Orig oorrs HydrTTo
e a guaranteed t
me
e scheme has thrthose involved:ment from the Feernment scheme
The scheme has three outcomes a guaranteed
f (a arifTTayment from the Feed-In y all government scheme whereb
Hook Norton Low Carbon
Transition Ladock and Grampound Road
Visit www.nortonenergycommunity.org torrshydro.co.uk hn-lc.org.uk transitiontowns.org/Ladock-Grampound
Transition Ladock and Grampound Road
“Their ideas appeal to a wide membership in
the community.”
ting energhouseholds generay suppliers); gincome from energ
or the household to use; and y f
y receive ting energreen y suppliers); g
or the household to use; and
y within the local community the mone
source of income f
y within the local community
or Hook Norton.source of income f
New Pioneers
ged fund to ensure the income manated can remain a y generay energmade b
just as Hook Norton has rolling resource,
13
ged fund to ensure the income ted can remain a
just as Hook Norton has
or the household to use; and y fenergan additional income from the Na
y excess energGrid which receives any the system.ted bgenera
y industrble energin the renewave control over whawe wanted to ha
or the household to use; and tional an additional income from the Na
y y excess energ
and ,yy industrt ve control over wha
source of income f
One of the projects is a community biodiesel tank stocked with recycled cooking oil.fill up their vehicles and regconsumption on a ke
t the end of each month,this awill be genera
or Hook Norton.source of income f
One of the projects is a community biodiesel tank stocked with recycled
ble to Participants will be aister their fill up their vehicles and reg
or By billing fy card.consumption on a ke income t the end of each month,
ted from sales.will be genera
just as Hook Norton has rolling resource,The consultancy is being provided done.
tive development a co-operabin,y Kabbody based in Cornwall.
tive ted two co-operabin creaKations with the support of organisa
ransition Ladock and Grampound Road T as well y Plus,and Community Energ
just as Hook Norton has The consultancy is being provided
tive development
tive tions with the support of
ransition Ladock and Grampound Road as well
also want to drive up the standards e haWvice.of customer ser
tive,members of the co-opera and we work in ferent strengths,with dif
ferent decisions fteams to make difbusiness based on these strengths.
also want to drive up the standards ve seven e ha
each tive, and we work in
or the ferent decisions fbusiness based on these strengths.
White of CoJo advised the g
r iiehT“e mdia w
e cht
who tive Futures,opera-White of CoThe roup on behalf of advised the g
o l taepps aaedr in p iihrsebmee m
”.ytinummoe c
as other members of the communityte the income which will own and alloca
arTTated from the Feed-In generamembership open ve hations organisatwo
and are accessible to the entire .community
y efinvested in yet more energ-re
,as other members of the communityte the income
The f.arifmembership
and are accessible to the entire
ficiency y ef
y comprehensive.help was very provided the consultancy and itleT
helped us to clarify our purpose and He gabusiness structure.
perspective on our areas of competence It was gand our training needs.
with a sense of ysis,get the external anal
Brian y comprehensive.y provided the consultancy and
helped us to clarify our purpose and ve an outside He ga
perspective on our areas of competence t to rea It was g
with a sense of
advised the g
y impressed with the innovavery were looking to use the gthe
the Carbon Challenge fund and how their ppeal to a wide membership in ideas a
ansition Ladock and rTTrampound RoadGr
roup on behalf of advised the g
y tive way impressed with the innovarant from y were looking to use the g
the Carbon Challenge fund and how their ppeal to a wide membership in
ansition Ladock and ampound Road
y efinvested in yet more energ
tive opera-Movement and the Coransition Tt could be possible if the wha
y recognised their Movement reallround and the potential fcommon g
ficiency
tive ransition
y recognised their or round and the potential f
Hook Norton Low Carbon is pioneering a newordshire,Oxfpproach to the use of gble asustaina
or community environmental funding f For around 18 months,projects.
Hook Norton community had a low roup which was looking into carbon g
In 2009,sources of funding.orm a community-owned decided to f
Hook Norton Low Carbon in ,, is pioneering a new
rant pproach to the use of gor community environmental
the For around 18 months,Hook Norton community had a low
roup which was looking into roup the g In 2009,
orm a community-owned
ampound RoadGrin Cornwall,
t has been project thawarded funding from the a
Low Carbon Community Supported Challenge.
y Community Energb
y charityenergproject has initia
ampound Road, is another
t has been warded funding from the
Low Carbon Community Supported
y y Community Energ
the ,y charityted project has initia
on Ladoansition Lador TTr
ampound Roadock and Gr
orm a community-owned decided to fge and redistribute tive to manaco-opera
or low carbon schemes.y fmone
After winning £400,000 from the Low Carbon Community Challenge,decided to redistribute this mone
tives which will reduce projects and initia Howevercarbon emissions.
orm a community-owned ge and redistribute
or low carbon schemes.
After winning £400,000 from the Low roup the gCarbon Community Challenge,
y to decided to redistribute this monetives which will reduce
this will , However
project has initiaficiency measures y efenerg
in homes and local businesses to reduce It has also installed a range demand.ble energof renewa
to produce clean,te income to support carbon genera
reduction actions across the parish.Ladock and Grampound Road won first
ted project has initias
d It has also installed a range
ies y technologble energy and reen energ gto produce clean,
te income to support carbon reduction actions across the parish.Ladock and Grampound Road won first
ency measuresd local businesses to reduce
l li d l b-d li i
T a member of the Chris Jones,Ladock and Grampound Road g
from explaining the options support,
localised low carbdelivering re
p unampound Road
b
ransition Troup,Ladock and Grampound Road g
from explaining the options
bon
ference.be done with a difwill be redistributed as loans,
or invested in tion,or home insulaas fprojects which will earn a return on the
This will recycle and retain investment.
.nortonenergVisit www
y The moneference. such will be redistributed as loans,
or invested in projects which will earn a return on the
This will recycle and retain
ear in 2010.Ythe
The Co-operahelping the project to set up a community
.org torrshydro.co.uk hn-lc.org.uk transitiontowns.org/Ladock-Grampoundycommunity.nortonenerg
ear in 2010.
tive Enterprise Hub is The Co-operahelping the project to set up a community
.org torrshydro.co.uk hn-lc.org.uk transitiontowns.org/Ladock-Grampound
through to actuallble to us,vailaablishing the structures needed to esta
Paul was verge the project.manalexible and made himself accessible ff
.org torrshydro.co.uk hn-lc.org.uk transitiontowns.org/Ladock-Grampound
y through to actuallblishing the structures needed to
y Paul was veror lexible and made himself accessible f
.org torrshydro.co.uk hn-lc.org.uk transitiontowns.org/Ladock-Grampound
Reuse and RecycleCo-operative enterprise has always pioneered new activities and in recent years some of the most fertile ground for innovation has been in recycling.
Cambridge Wood Works
Paperchain
“As well as raising awareness we are
aiming to build better community cohesion.”
Paperchain
PEARLS
14
ueR
ne asu
dn
tive enterprise Co-operays pioneered new wahas al
Rtive enterprise ys pioneered new
compost bins,boxes,bles.and ta
chopped up f
lcyce R shelves bee hives, compost bins,
Much of the remainder is bles.or firewood and some is chopped up f
el shelves
aperP cin Exete
hachainpaperrc
PPa
activities and in recent years some of the most fertile
or innovaround fgbeen in recycling.
computers, plastic,,perPa
gement there are area of waste mana
activities and in recent years some of the most fertile
tion has or innovabeen in recycling.
furniture, computers,
gement there are
chopped up fsent to be remade into chipboard.
One of the strengths of the business model is the mix of income streams.About 45% of income comes from the collection serof reclaimed wood and timber; and 20% from products,
or firewood and some is chopped up fsent to be remade into chipboard.
One of the strengths of the business model is the mix of income streams.About 45% of income comes from the
vice; 35% from retail sale collection serof reclaimed wood and timber; and 20%
firewood and pallets.from products,
of reclaimed wood and timber; and 20%
It was set up in tive.recycling co-opera-profit initiaor1990 as a not-f
partnership including Exeter City Council, Devon County Council,,BT
Wildlife of the Earth and Devon
perchain now provides a serPaover 600 businesses in the Exeter area.
blished comof a long-esta
It was set up in y a tive b-profit initia
partnership including Exeter City Council, Exeter Friends Devon County Council,
rust.TWildlife
vice to perchain now provides a serover 600 businesses in the Exeter area.
munity based
gement there are area of waste manative and community enterprises co-opera
ys to reduce,showing the best waand recycle.
ood WCambridge Wbusiness set up with assistance from
tive Enterprise Hub in March Co-opera It is one of a g2010.
wood recycling social enterprises but
gement there are tive and community enterprises
reuse ys to reduce,
orksood W is a new The business set up with assistance from
tive Enterprise Hub in March rowing network of It is one of a g
wood recycling social enterprises but
ving and reuse of timber is onlThe sa
also aims to provide jobs,volunteering opportunities frange of people,disadvanta
y ving and reuse of timber is onl
training and also aims to provide jobs,or a wide volunteering opportunities f
y of whom are manrange of people,ged.disadvanta
plastic, cardboard,,perfice paOfcomputers and other electrical goods are
or recycling.all collected fper shredding fers a confidential paof
vice and the destruction of CDs and serhard drives.
perchain also sells bedding fPa(from hamsters to horses) made from
cans, plastic,computers and other electrical goods are
perchain Paper shredding
vice and the destruction of CDs and
or animals perchain also sells bedding f(from hamsters to horses) made from
ve a cothe first to hawood recycling social enterprises but
structure.
y our commitment to social y clearlverand environmental objectives and to the
tive legal opera-wood recycling social enterprises but
y our commitment to social and environmental objectives and to the
A“amiamoc
g nisias rl ales wAe re as wseneraw
r etted bliuo bg tnim”.noisehoy ctinumm
(from hamsters to horses) made from This part of the shredded cardboard.
business provides training and work or people with learning opportunities f
bilities.disa
t haaspects of recycling tha
ing director Colin Magmana
r ”
(from hamsters to horses) made from This part of the
business provides training and work or people with learning
ve now t ha
tthews.ing director Colin Ma
tive collects waste wood The co-operat would otherwise be and timber tha
The maput in skips.
where it is sorted and used in the most y beneficial waenvironmentall
tive collects waste wood t would otherwise be
terial is taken to The ma
where it is sorted and used in the most .yy beneficial wa
build the volunteer network and training
courses in basic wood working skills to people from a nearb
Cambridge y dafamil
to invited
build the volunteer network and training
courses in basic wood working skills to y homeless hostel,people from a nearb
orks also plans to run Wood WCambridge ys where local people will be y da
things useful make to how learn to
build the volunteer network and training
orks also plans to run
things
ing director Colin Magmana
a fringe and subsidised activitythere is massive competition.taken us a long time to wake up to the
tive Enterprise Hub,opera-CoThe with help from ,This year
tthews.ing director Colin Ma
Now .a fringe and subsidised activity It has there is massive competition.
taken us a long time to wake up to the
tive Enterprise Hub,The
EARPEARLS
November 2010
larger pieces of sheet y long lengths,An doors or other reusaterial,ma
iven to charities.or DIY or gare sold fSome of the timber is used to make
or sale,useful items f
larger pieces of sheet ble items doors or other reusa
iven to charities.Some of the timber is used to make
such as bird are aiming to build better community
are aiming to build better community
things perchain has become a stronger Pa
tive has moved The co-operabusiness.y derelict premises nearlp,y cheafrom ver
to a larger and more expensive modern industrial unit.
perchain has become a stronger tive has moved
y derelict premises to a larger and more expensive modern
PEARLS
“The fact that somebody believes in you and your business ... is so motivating.”
Oxford Cycle Workshop
Oxford Cycle Workshop
Visit www. cambridgewoodworks.org.uk paperchain-recycling.org.uk pearlscoop.co.uk cycleoxford.coop
This has enawwarehouse space
bled us This has ena
but recent cutbacks meant thaorced to close.f
t it was but recent cutbacks meant thaorced to close.
This has enawvices and storao
pt made the a
Our business strams
ble and reduce reliance on s
warehouse space.o improve our ser
provided us with the businand practical support thamove possible.s to become more commustaina
bled us This has enage.vices and stora
provided us with the business planning t made the
y teg Our business strais to become more commercial and
ble and reduce reliance on
our of us decided we wanted to keep f
The Cocontacted or support and theHub f
te with the council.negotiato buy the fixtures and fittings,
te from the same building we as operahad been in when the council owned the
our of us decided we wanted to keep
tive Enterprise opera-The Coy helped us to or support and the
e needed Wte with the council. as well to buy the fixtures and fittings,
te from the same building we had been in when the council owned the
t now 96% of our income is from y thasa
PEARLS is an innova in Rochdale,,t encouraredistribution scheme tha
This year it was community activities.transferred from council ownership to a
t now 96% of our income is from
tive is an innovages t encoura
This year it was transferred from council ownership to a
had been in when the council owned the e also received help drafting Wscheme.
T“bemosnu aoy
s s. i..
had been in when the council owned the e also received help drafting
t aht tcae fhTn s ieveiley bdobs senisur buod yn
” .gnitavitoo ms s
The Co-operawith assistance from The training centre Enterprise Hub. events and training hosts workshops,
with a strong community rammes,prog as well It works with schools,ocus.f
oYYotions such as the as organisaWAsylum vice and fending SerOf
d Cycle Oxfor orkshopW
tive The Co-operaThe training centre events and training
with a strong community as well
outh elcome.W
tive Loan Fund.opera-The CoHub and opera-The Cofinance from
which stands tive,PEARLS co-operaArts and tion, Educa,yor the Plaf
vice,ble Lending SerReusaterials from p and unwanted mascra
local businesses and sells them from its warehouse in Rochdale to nurseries and
tive Loan Fund.tive Enterprise opera
which stands Arts and
collects vice,terials from
local businesses and sells them from its warehouse in Rochdale to nurseries and
received a loan from Four months after the transfer
Loan Fund to help increase the stock and te the IT systems.upda
or small amounts,fturned down.
g
tive opera-The Coreceived a loan from PEARLS ,Four months after the transfer
Loan Fund to help increase the stock and te the IT systems.
and even these were or small amounts,ficult to get It can be dif
Asylum fending Ser
Word Cycle The members of Oxfhad a clear vision when choosing
tive.opera-owned co-communityto set up the new venture as a
tive because we wanted a opera-co
orkshop Whad a clear vision when choosing
tive.
tive because we wanted a
as well as to individuals.schools,ything from card to terials can be anma
bric, threads and facarpet, PEARLS also buys in a selection paints.
of new arts and crafts maresale.
The as well as to individuals.ything from card to
pencils and bric, PEARLS also buys in a selection
or terials fof new arts and crafts ma
turned down.finance as a new
ppy haare vertive Loan Fund.Co-opera
somebody believes in you and your business enough to support you with this
ficult to get It can be difturned down. It can small business.,finance as a new
The y with the loan from ppt The fact thative Loan Fund.
somebody believes in you and your business enough to support you with this
director of the training - co,Jonty Semper
which the community could become fullThe aims of the organisainvolved.
lect the needs of the community tharefowns us.
t we needed and realllistened to wha
director of the training
y which the community could become fulltion The aims of the organisa
t lect the needs of the community tha
t we needed and reall
d Cycle W
ged young people.
tives.opera-
Oxforrepairs and rbicycles eachprovides traidisadvanta
This success
cobusiness is a
orkshopd Cycle W rescues,bout 1,000 repairs and recycles a
bicycles each year and in the process provides training and life skills to
ged young people.
tive This successful and innova
orkshop Word Cycle Oxftives.y y two complementarbusiness is actuall
t we needed and realllistened to whay put us in touch Thet.delivered on tha
with the relevant people and gaorward.t we needed to move fon wha
ocus on our aims y also helped us to fThetion,and objectives as an organisa
tionships with members and our how relalect these.legal structure would ref
y t we needed and really put us in touch
ve advice with the relevant people and gaorward.
ocus on our aims and on tion,
tionships with members and our lect these.
PEARLS scheme had been run bRochdale Borough Council since 1989
cambridgewoodworks.org.uk pa.Visit www
y PEARLS scheme had been run bRochdale Borough Council since 1989
The training centre was set up shop.in 2009 as a community co-opera
the retail outwhen it boug
perchain-recycling.org.uk pearlscoop.co.uk cycleoxf cambridgewoodworks.org.uk pa
It was set up in 2008 the retail outlet.y owned bike telwhen it bought the priva
The training centre was set up tive in 2009 as a community co-opera
perchain-recycling.org.uk pearlscoop.co.uk cycleoxf
want to reach over 1,000 members in
ord.coopcoop.co.uk cycleoxf
want to reach over 1,000 members in
ord.coop
Caring for others - for children, young people, old people, disabled people and anyone who is disadvantaged - is a fundamental ethical value. When combined with the co-operative values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity the result can often be inspiring, innovative businesses.
Many carers, including childcare workers, in the private sector suffer from low pay, poor conditions of employment and a lack of training opportunities.
Many people who need help to live independently are frustrated by the lack of control they have over the quality of care they receive.
Many people who are disadvantaged in the labour market would be doing meaningful work if they had appropriate support.
Co-operative enterprise is the solution.
Substance
Ex-Cell Solutions
New Pioneers
17
Substance
Caring for others - for childrold people,disadvWhen combined with the co-oper
Caring for others - for childr disabled people and any
antaged - is a fundamental ethical vWhen combined with the co-oper
old people,disadv
Ex-Cell Solutions
oung people,one who is
alue.alues of
yen,Caring for others - for childr disabled people and any
antaged - is a fundamental ethical ve vativWhen combined with the co-oper
oung people,one who is
alue.alues of
When combined with the co-operself-help,equity and solidarity the rinspiring,
Many carate sector suffer fr
of emplopriv
When combined with the co-oper
esponsibilityequity and solidarity the r
e businesses.
including childcarom low pa
yment and a lack of tr
self-rself-help,
ativv innoinspiring,
ers,Many carate sector suffer fr
of emplo
alues of equality
esult can often be e businesses.
in the poor conditions
aining opportunities.
e vativWhen combined with the co-oper,yac democr,esponsibility
equity and solidarity the r
ers,orke w including childcar,yom low pa
yment and a lack of tr
alues of
,
in the poor conditions
aining opportunities.
equality
of emplo
Many people who need help to live frustr
the quality of car
Many people who ar
ar
yment and a lack of tr
Many people who need help to livy the lack of contr
eceiv
e disadv
of emplo
ated be frustre they rthe quality of car
Many people who ar
aining opportunities.
e independently v
e.
antaged in the labour
yment and a lack of tr
Many people who need help to livol they hay the lack of contr
eceiv
e disadv
aining opportunities.
e independently er
antaged in the labour
ve ov
markopriate support.
Co-oper
appr
ould be doing meaningful wopriate support.
e enterprise is the solution.
et wmark
ativCo-oper
ork if they had
e enterprise is the solution.
ould be doing meaningful w
ork if they had
Sparks Co-operative
Sunflowers Neighbourhood Nursery
Children and Young People
“A clear business plan and good financial
planning are essential to anybody looking to start their own
co-operative.”
England. And many childcare and youth workers, parents and young people across the country agree with him.
Sparks
Sparks
18
ihC
nerdli
n Sparks
ihC a
nerdlid Yn a
ng PnuoYYo
Sparks
poeg P
elp
Sparks Co-opera variety of childcare options to 4-14
England.and young people across the countr
eativSparks Co-oper fers of in Bristol,,a variety of childcare options to 4-14
y childcare and youth workers,And manEngland.and young people across the countr
fers tive development aco-opera and finance from VE Ltd)(BRAAV
y childcare and youth workers,ree with him.gy aand young people across the countr
CDA ,gencytive development aThe and finance from
parents y childcare and youth workers,ree with him.
a variety of childcare options to 4-14 year olds,an after
y scheme in the holidaplaprovide serneeds of local families,environment fsafe and stimula
The co-opera
a variety of childcare options to 4-14 including a breakfast club,year olds,
-school club and a full-time an after It aims to ys.y scheme in the holida
vices which respond to the provide serfers an and ofneeds of local families,
or children which is both environment fting.safe and stimula
tive started in 1984
and finance from VE Ltd),(BRAAV
tive Enterprise opera-The Cotion of creative Loan Fund.Co-opera
or and received pplied f Sparks aHub,further free advice and training,
.yitleTy Brian b
training he provided was brilliant.
The and finance from
tive Enterprise Following the
or and received delivered further free advice and training,
I hatraining he provided was brilliant.
The co-operaand was orig
gement committee of parents.manaTheCarole
director of Sparks,
opera-cottending a meeting aaSparks
tive started in 1984 The co-operay y a voluntary run binalland was orig
gement committee of parents.ounding member and f,yerThe
ted the change initiadirector of Sparks,
tives.operabout childcare ttending a meeting a
training he provided was brilliant.had help from other organisa
tive Enterprise Hub.opera-The Coand t from the CDA was not as useful as tha
planning are essential to anto start their own co-opera
ve enough time need to ensure you ha
ve I hatraining he provided was brilliant. but it tions,had help from other organisa
tive Enterprise Hub.t from the CDA
ybody looking planning are essential to anou alsoYYotive.to start their own co-opera
ve enough time
ur baelA c“d fiood gna
g aninnalpdobyno at
Sparks currentleight of whom are members of the co-operaWilson,child from 1997 to 2002.of Sparks speak to secondarchildren who thettendance aa
them the opportunity to work f
n als psenisul aicnand fi
l aitnesse erg nikooy ld
y employs 10 people,Sparks currentleight of whom are members of the
Charlie One of them,tive.co-operattended Sparks herself as a a
Members child from 1997 to 2002.y school of Sparks speak to secondar
y know from previous children who thefer y and oft the nurserttendance a
or them.them the opportunity to work f
f meetings outside of the allotted or staff
ers Neighbourhood SunflowNursery
y in its Januartegory cain everThe inspector said OFSTED inspection.
y the second organisathis was only in her 20 years of to score so highl
f meetings outside of the allotted
ers Neighbourhood
y 2010 y in its JanuarThe inspector said
tion y the second organisay in her 20 years of
November 2010
y
repo-oct trato st
Charlie started out as a junior pla
opera-coand has now become a director of the
Sparks received advice from its local
g y l
”.evitarn wr oieh
them the opportunity to work fyworkerCharlie started out as a junior pla
tive.operaand has now become a director of the
Sparks received advice from its local
,yworkery in her 20 years of to score so highl
experience.
based in Braunstone,,yThe nurser provides full as well as Leicestershire,
or children five day care fsessional da
y in her 20 years of
based in Braunstone, provides full as well as
ys or children five da
Substance
“You should prepare yourself for some hard work but it is worth it.”
Sunflowers Neighbourhood Nursery
Substance
New Pioneers
19
51 weeks of the year and is a week, It is aopen from 8am to 6pm.
ged three months to five years children a Starting out with 32 places in 2005,old.
fers 58 childcare y now ofthe nurser all of which are filled.places,
51 weeks of the year and is or ble fvaila It is a
ged three months to five years Starting out with 32 places in 2005,
fers 58 childcare all of which are filled.
community and social development to improve and demonstraimpact and value.Substance provides specialist advice
tions to organisa
and demonstraimpact and value.
specialist advice
and sot to im
te t
rovide
t
o
A
ethuo
A
people,ethical
values and bility accounta
Adam.
tes in purpose-lowers operaSunfbuilt premises designed to provide a
or children.ting environment fstimulay allows easy interaction between nurser
ges through an open-plan children of all a It has also taken over running set up.
a creche in the adjoining leisure centre,or further expansion.and has plans f
tes in purpose-built premises designed to provide a
The or children.y allows easy interaction between
ges through an open-plan It has also taken over running
a creche in the adjoining leisure centre,or further expansion.
tions to organisathroughout the
fering ofUK,them a range of social research,monitoring and
tion evaluavices.ser
Its clients range from
tions throughout the
them a range of social research,monitoring and
nge fr
Neighbourhers Neighbourh
fSunflowwe
f to be fal
u
mfalewew
ud Nurse
hood Nursery
our members f to be
involved as much as possible and after
we still consult our employees
on decisions which will fect the future of the
d pluohu soYYo“or sof flersuoy
s wt it iuk brow
government departments and councils to
Substance has become a charities.well-respected co-opera
Win the North turnover of almost £2 million.
Adam Brown,Dr t the organisabelieves tha
e raperd pd rae hmo”.th itros w
Substance has become a tive enterprise well-respected co-opera with an annual ion,est regW
turnover of almost £2 million.
ounders, one of the fAdam Brown,tional structure t the organisa
depar
Substance received start-up advice from tive Enterprise Hub on The Co-opera
the rules potential structural changes,
As well as structures and share options.tion received financial the organisathis,
tive Enterprise The Co-operaadvice from
Substance received start-up advice from tive Enterprise Hub on
the rules
As well as tion received financial
tive Enterprise
provided us with a five-year review of as well as working with us the business,
on governance and membership.also received support on increasing the
ger and one of the the mana,yBlockleounding members.f
provided us with a five-year review of as well as working with us
e Won governance and membership.also received support on increasing the
ger and one of the
of Substance has plaits success.
y to run a companbest wa
t the organisayed a large part in of Substance has pla
y which placed y to run a compan
The Co-operaHub further down the line.
ble as it helped us start up was invalualected our set up a business which ref
tive Enterprise
ble as it helped us lected our
I would recommend you tasimilar to us,t can be ainto the resources tha
ou should preparYYoto you.
Substance based in Manchester,tive business model uses the co-opera
to support young people in their social blished in 2005, Estadevelopment.
p I would recommend you table vailat can be aor ou should prepare yourself f
, based in Manchestertive business model
to support young people in their social blished in 2005,
blished in 2005, Estadevelopment.Substance is a social research compan
sport and specialising in the youth, It helps projects .positive activities sector
tions delivering personal,and organisa
.sparks-inc.org.uk substance.coopVisit www
blished in 2005,y Substance is a social research compan
sport and It helps projects
tions delivering personal,
c.org.uk substance.coop
Substance
Sunshine Care
South Leicestershire Care Co-operative
Support at Home and at Work
“The personalisation agenda is a
great opportunity for co-ops.”
York Disabled Workers Co-operative
Very diverse co-operative enterprises are providing care, support and advice when and where it is needed.
York Disabled Workers Co-operative
puS0 2
t ropp
t Ha
e mot H
pd ana
y diverse co-operaerVsupport and advice when and where it is needed.
ppt Wd a
tive enterprises are providing care,y diverse co-operasupport and advice when and where it is needed.
kroWWotive enterprises are providing care,
support and advice when and where it is needed.
eSunshine Car is a co-operacommunity interest compan
ormer local authority care roup of fa gworkers in Rochdale to support people with short and long term needs,
ve control of their wellbeing them to haand enhancing their quality of life.
vices include personal care,ser
tive is a co-operay y set up bcommunity interest compan
ormer local authority care workers in Rochdale to support people
bling enawith short and long term needs,ve control of their wellbeing
Its and enhancing their quality of life. domestic vices include personal care,
system tha
Rochdale council provided a ghelp the co-operareceived assistance in business planning
The Co-operafrom It started trading a
or both customers t was fairer fsystem tha
rant to Rochdale council provided a gy tive start up and thehelp the co-opera
received assistance in business planning tive Enterprise Hub.The Co-operat the end of 2009.It started trading a
or both customers
received assistance in business planning
vices include personal care,or socialising and support fvices,ser
tive care.pallia
norsee phT“a idnegaoppt oaergo-or cof
vices include personal care,or socialising and
Sunshine Care has set out to be the best provider of support fin Rochdale.believes tha
f and co-operastafcustomers and their families and friends.
n oitasilans a a i
y tinutro”.spo
It started trading a
Sunshine Care has set out to be the or adults best provider of support f
y y strongl Chris Bailein Rochdale.tion of skilled t the combinabelieves tha
tive values will benefit f and co-operacustomers and their families and friends.
tive values will benefit customers and their families and friends.
l i,l l iemployment opportunities f
ge and we are individual care packa
along witlocal community
ers Coorkork Disabled WWo
YYo
h i i dor carers.employment opportunities f
ge and we are
th training and
eativo-oper
tive was set up fThe co-opera
which resulted in y care,of domiciliarmore outsourcing to priva
te profit and tend to hapriva
ollowing the tive was set up f
which resulted in te contractors.more outsourcing to priva
ve a high te profit and tend to ha
the new personalisapeople realise the
because ha
operCoSouth Leicestershir
Once genda.tion athe new personalisay can choose who people realise the
f makes ving well trained stafbecause ha
eativopere e CarSouth Leicestershir
(SLCC) provides a similar
f makes
(SLCC) provides a similar
t we can deliver taking time to ensure thavices local people want,the quality ser
the chair of SLCC and himself a recipient yments.of direct pa
ted personal of experienced dedicaassistants who are ready to meet the
t we can deliver vices local people want,
the chair of SLCC and himself a recipient
ted personal assistants who are ready to meet the
therethere
e should be aoper-Co
range oe should be a range o
eativoper (SLCC) provides a similar
tive opera-ferent cotvices to Sunshine Care of s
vice both sersu
tive model developed to opera-o It is a new a
yments ebles people to s
ge their own care budgets if
t has a difof ser
structure:users and care providers
oare members.
spond to the direct pastem which ena
(SLCC) provides a similar
tive model developed to
bles people to ge their own care budgets if
assistants who are ready to meet the tion and be challenges of personalisa
tive and caring when developing innovaand delivering the high quality of ser
tive Enterprise Hub helped The Co-opera support,roup with guidance,the g
vices,training and legal ser
assistants who are ready to meet the tion and be
tive and caring when developing vice and delivering the high quality of ser
tive Enterprise Hub helped support,
which were vices,
ork Disabled WYYo
eativers Co-oper
orkWWo
ge their own care budgets if ay
Cvice to the y care sero
anay wish.
CC aims to bring a new kindomiciliar
ge their own care budgets if
da).-(CaSESocial Enterprise Development
Agency Social Enterprise Development
York Disabled Workers Co-operative
Ex-Cell Solutions
Visit www. slccltd.co.uk yorkdwc.co.uk ex-cell.org.uk
Ex-Cell Solutions
Ex-Cell Solutions
Ex-Cell Solutions
Ex-Cell Solutions,
New o ee sNew Pioneers
21
be the first of its kind but there will
tion of users and carers The combinarunning the co-ops should help to ensure
eativoper-Coers orkork Disabled WYYo
be the first of its kind but there will
tion of users and carers running the co-ops should help to ensure
ers
based in Manchesterprovides support and employment seror ex-prisoners.f
also helps other ged gdisadvanta
including refugees and asylum seekers,
,based in Manchesterprovides support and
vices employment serThe or ex-prisoners.
also helps other roups ged g
including refugees and asylum seekers,
SEx-Cell Solutions
oper It provides training and meaningful care.
bled people in a or disaemployment fy making a range of woodwork factor
including garden furniture,products,bit hutches,bt boxes and ra bables,ta
y recycled timberusing mostl
YDWC opened just as this report went The opening marked the end to print.
It provides training and meaningful bled people in a
y making a range of bird including garden furniture,
bit hutches,.y recycled timber
YDWC opened just as this report went The opening marked the end
and asylum seekers,recovering drug and alcohol users,homeless people,health issues.
Ex-Cell started as a charity in 2005 but in 2009 Ex-Cell Solutions was set up as an independent co-operacharity has since closed.
and asylum seekers,recovering drug and alcohol users,
and people with mental homeless people,health issues.
Ex-Cell started as a charity in 2005 but in 2009 Ex-Cell Solutions was set up
tive and the as an independent co-opera Becoming a charity has since closed.
building etc. cleaning,,y- deliver
tive Enterprise Hub helped The Co-operaEx-Cell Solutions with its legal structure,business plan and marketing maAs a result of its contact with the Hub,Ex-Cell Solutions has become part of the
bour in particular sectoy lasuppl
building etc.
tive Enterprise Hub helped Ex-Cell Solutions with its legal structure,
terials.business plan and marketing maAs a result of its contact with the Hub,Ex-Cell Solutions has become part of the
ors
The opening marked the end to print.
gle,of a long period of strug
which had employed 53 people (49 of closed in March bled),whom were disa
The closure was part of a major 2008.t Remploytion areorganisa
t provides specialist employment thabled people.or disavices fser
The opening marked the end
uncertainty gle,
which had employed 53 people (49 of closed in March
The closure was part of a major the quango ,t Remploy
t provides specialist employment bled people.
charity has since closed.tive business has allowed the co-opera
five members to be more enterprising
opera-new Cotive.and innova
t helps ex-prisoners to secure work bthasetting up co-opera
Becoming a charity has since closed.
tive business has allowed the five members to be more enterprising
ramme ork progWting into operave developed a y haThetive.
y t helps ex-prisoners to secure work btive consortiums to setting up co-opera
Ex-Cell Solutions has become part of the
tive development network of co-operaadvisers and has started to do specialist
or other co-operaconsultancy work fbodies.
Ex-Cell Solutions has become part of the
tive development advisers and has started to do specialist
tive or other co-opera
the co-ordinaWilson,John
y open but despite all to keep the factororts Remploy said it had to close.four ef
YDWC.tor of the co-ordina
y open but despite all orts Remploy said it had to close.
tive has received The new co-operasignificant financial and logfrom the GMB and Unite trade unions,as well as help with business planning
The Co-operation from istraand regEnterprise Hub.
or there to be 10 to 12 The plan is f
tive has received istical support significant financial and log
from the GMB and Unite trade unions,as well as help with business planning
tive The Co-opera
or there to be 10 to 12
y the end of the first people employed bAll of the income will come from .year
The GMB sathe sale of products.YDWC is aiming to be the gold standard in the employment of disa
y the end of the first All of the income will come from
t ys thaThe GMB saYDWC is aiming to be the gold standard
bled people.in the employment of disa
Ex-Cell Solutions
slccltd.co.uk yorkdwc.co.uk ex-cell.org.uk.Visit www
Ex-Cell Solutions
slccltd.co.uk yorkdwc.co.uk ex-cell.org.uk
slccltd.co.uk yorkdwc.co.uk ex-cell.org.uk
The co-operative movement began with food and today it is still leading the way. Fair trade, organic, local sourcing - almost every responsible and ethical trend in food production, distribution and preparation has been pioneered by co-operative enterprises.
The co-opery it is still leading the w
Fair tresponsible and ethical tr
distribution and pr
toda
r
ement began with food and y it is still leading the w
local sourend in food pr
ation has been pioneere enterprises.
ve moativThe co-oper
ganic, orade,Fair tresponsible and ethical tr
epardistribution and prativ
ement began with food and .
cing - almost evoduction,
ation has been pioneer
yay it is still leading the w local sour
end in food pr
ement began with food and
ery oduction,
y
cing - almost ev
ed bation has been pioneer
co-oper
e enterprises.ativco-oper
Highly motivated co-operative entrepreneurs are involved in every stage of the food supply chain, from growing to selling to serving.
Unicorn Grocery
Glebelands City Growers
Unicorn Grocery
From Plantto Plate Un
Gleblands City Growers
Unicorn Grocery
24
m PorF
alm P
tna
tes 5% It donation.pge bill to local and n
o Ptperanual wa
ge bill to local and row the co-operaUnicorn needed to g
inal membership base.from their orig
etalo P
tive row the co-operainal membership base.
Un
opera-entrepreneurs are involved
ge of the fy stain ever
Unicorn GrUnicorn Gr
ted comotivaHig
oce ocecorUnicorn Grro
operaentrepreneurs are involved
ood ge of the f
Unicorn works hard to keep the fmiles of its stock to a minimum and buys
y wherever possible.locall
tive
ery
Unicorn also n
rge fset the damam
n
ood Unicorn works hard to keep the fmiles of its stock to a minimum and buys
One of its y wherever possible.
nal projects.self-imposed carbon ta
ributes to a tree plantingming to ofning a business.
Unicorn also orces a self-imposed carbon tax,
which contributes to a tree planting ge
miles of its stock to a minimum and buys
y opened up The process completel
ersowGlebelands City Grorganic market garden based on the
y in Sale,banks of the river Mersey a handful of urban and is one of onl
rowing projects in the UK.gblished enterprise was taken over esta
y opened up
ers is an organic market garden based on the
y in Sale,y a handful of urban
In 2009 the rowing projects in the UK.blished enterprise was taken over
ge of the fy stain ever from gy chain,suppl
to selling to ser
oceryUnicorn Gr in Chorlton,,
tive excellence.opera-co is a prime example of ,Manchester
rown from £3,500 to £3.5 turnover has gmillion and its membership from f
ood ge of the frowing from g
ving.to selling to ser
in Chorlton,
In 14 years its tive excellence. is a prime example of
rown from £3,500 to £3.5 our to million and its membership from f
suppliers of vegeta
opera-coGrowers,
acquired 21 acres of prime g
which shop,ble garden.vegeta
From start up and through each
Glebelands City bles,suppliers of vegeta
In autumn 2008 Unicorn tive.operay and also a wa is three miles aGrowers,
rowing land acquired 21 acres of prime g
organic an as developing is it which ble garden.
From start up and through each
Glebelands City y and also a
rowing land
organic
The Co-operawith the support of Enterprise Hub.
tes under Soil Glebelands operation organic standards and also Associa
t all of its produce is tries to ensure thasold within five miles of the site.
tive The Co-opera
tes under Soil tion organic standards and also
t all of its produce is sold within five miles of the site.
million and its membership from f It has won a string of a50.
a converted roof garden which aims UK:ge the conserto encoura
wildlife.
our to million and its membership from fwards along It has won a string of a
a converted roof garden which aims tion of local vage the conser
From start up and through each ge of gsta
opera-cothe advice and finance a
opera-CoThe Co-opera
It has twice issued Hub.loan stock to its customers and supporters - an action
t engatha
From start up and through each Unicorn has used rowth,ge of g
including tions,tive organisaoperable from vailathe advice and finance a
tive Enterprise operaThe tive Loan Fund and The Co-opera
It has twice issued
ges customers t enga
ock to its customerpporters - an actio
blished business the fact it was an estawith a close network of local suppliers
oneSweetman
blished business with a close network of local suppliers
e of members
wildlife.
Unicorn specialises in tive,opera-co fair trade and local produce.organic,
Over 70 lines of organic fruit and y reasonat ver ables,vegeta
stocked in its 10,000 sq ft premises.
Unicorn specialises in fair trade and local produce.
Over 70 lines of organic fruit and are ble prices,y reasona
stocked in its 10,000 sq ft premises.
t engathain the development of the business.
The Co-operaEnterprise Hub has provided assistance
of Coplanning.
ges customers t enga
business.
tive The Co-operaEnterprise Hub has provided assistance
tive Bob Cannell planning.
evelopment of the
dsGleblands C
ersowCity Gr
November 2010
t laThe principles thathis successful ethical business include secure employment,wholesome and healthy consumption,
ble trade and solidarity fair and sustaina
or roundwork fy the gt lathis successful ethical business include
, equal opportunitywholesome and healthy consumption,
ble trade and solidarity
opera-of CoBusiness Consultants,
involved with the development of a membership recruitment stra
tive operaBusiness Consultants,
involved with the development of a .ytegmembership recruitment stra
wh
rowing in an urban environment rag and believed thated farm,than an isola
ther rowing in an urban environment rat and believed tha
Café Kino
“Helping a co-operative to expand and move premises is exactly what the Hub
is about.”
nicorn Grocery
Café Kino
Café Kino
fn
Café Kino was set in Bristol,,up in 2006 to provide excellent
New Pioneers
t the Hub y whamove premises is exactl
25
t the Hub
nicor
we could continue with thwe could continue with th
oceryrn Gr
e previous Thafrome previous
naam
e
sThafrom
up in 2006 to provide excellent ood vegan and vegetarian f
or independent and a space f It is a inalised artists.and marg
members and several volunteers.
ood,ves a diverse range of fEnglish reen currThai g y to full English
t the Hub y whamove premises is exactl
-ble cobuild long-term sustaina
bout to move Café Kino was just ay short distance) as y a verpremises (onl
this report went to print.
t the Hub
tive opera-
bout to move y short distance) as
success of Glebelands.
so we relied on tive,up a co-operative Enterprise Hub fCo-opera
bout the business advice and guidance a Our adviserstructure and rules.
had a sound knowledge aNash,financial planning and helped us set up
The so we relied on or start-up tive Enterprise Hub f
bout the business Gareth , Our adviserbout had a sound knowledge a
financial planning and helped us set up
(vegetarian) breakfast, It also serprices.
beers and ciders.community events,games nights and man
y popularIt is vermembers realised theand earlier this year contacted
a(vegetarian) breakfast, It also ser
beers and ciders.mcommunity events,vgames nights and man
a.y populartmembers realised the
Tand earlier this year contacted
t reasonves organic wiThe café also networking m
y other ev
So popular thay needed t
T
the spreadsheets and books we needed in trading.to beg
o ee tvitarepo-ocg a niplHe“
ere pvod mna
the spreadsheets and books we needed tive Enterprise Hub fopera-Coon moving to big
y received advice and training TheTfrom Brian
visioning session leading to a business plan,audit to check it was fit f
and help with the lease rowth,g
d napxo eg a
s s iesim
tive Enterprise Hub fger premises.on moving to big
t included a y thaitlevisioning session leading to a
a governance business plan,or audit to check it was fit f
and help with the lease
or
ed advice and trainin
C f
bout the range of support,at we were entitled to and we tharants,g
warded a number of were pleased to be a
ere pvod mnat tahy wltcaxetuobs ai
including bout the range of support,t we were entitled to and we
warded a number of
and help with the lease rowth,gtions.negotia
received was
member Rosie Hadrill.
ving people to us haso experienced and
s s iesimb ue Hht t
”.t
and help with the lease tions.
received was
member Rosie Hadrill.
ving people so experienced and
é KCafé Kino
o
warded a number of were pleased to be a
Glebelands works in close partnership its main customer,ywith Unicorn Grocer
lexibility t deal of freaThere is a g
Unicorn receives high tives.opera-coand understanding between the two
t is picked fquality produce tha and orders can be altered the same da
warded a number of
Glebelands works in close partnership . its main customer
lexibility
Unicorn receives high and understanding between the two
or sale on t is picked f and orders can be altered
so experienced and skilled in business,but who also understood where we were coming from as
Brian also helped them to identify sources of finance
so experienced and skilled in business,but who also understood where we were coming from as
Brian also helped them to identify
Visit rocer.unicorn-gwww
and orders can be altered ,ythe same dat short notice and delivered within a few a
In a new development Glebelands hours.or planting out on is raising seedlings f
.co.uk yrocer rowers.co.ukglebelandscityg
and orders can be altered t short notice and delivered within a few
In a new development Glebelands or planting out on
sources of finance pplied y aand the
tive Loan opera-Coor a loan from the f
Fund.
rowers.co.uk cafe-kino.com
sources of finance pplied
tive Loan or a loan from the
Café Kino
Arts and MediaArtists often work alone but many of them know the value of co-operation. Studios, workshops and galleries across the UK are showing that co-operatives are a better way of doing business.
Oresome Gallery
Snap
Oresome Gallery
26
A
s atrA
dns a
Artists often work alone but manthe value of co-opera
MArtists often work alone
y of them know but mantion.the value of co-opera
aideMy each remain self-employed Theartists.
y from the sale of and profit individuallthe share y thebut work their
responsibilities of running the galler
ay each remain self-employed
y from the sale of and benefits the
y and responsibilities of running the galler
the value of co-operaStudios,galleries across the UK are showing thaare a better wabusiness.
esome GalleryOr
tion.the value of co-opera workshops and Studios,
galleries across the UK are tives t co-operashowing tha
y of doing are a better wabusiness.
esome Gallery overlooking the new ,
tives
overlooking the new
responsibilities of running the gallertive basis.workshop on a co-opera
y and responsibilities of running the gallertive basis.
esome GalleryOr
co-operat Hull College,met a
jewellerdeterminaound thaf
y could gtherealise their artistic ambitions.
esome Gallery overlooking the new ,
who our members,The ftive.co-opera specialise in bespoke t Hull College,
y and silversmithing and share a jewellery Thetion and a belief in art.determina
tive y setting up a co-operat bound tharow their enterprise and y could g
realise their artistic ambitions.
overlooking the new
specialise in bespoke y and silversmithing and share a
and equipment would ha
opera-cotoo expensive,
the co-operaonce we learned more aquickl
ve been and equipment would ha
ble to get we were a,ytiveloperay working but btoo expensive,
tive business model but,the co-opera we bout it,once we learned more a
t it was the one fy realised tha
selling the unique jeweller Oresome Gallery the members,b
fering classes and personal soon be ofy making.tuition in jeweller
artists want to share their skills and
Snap
ted y creay will Oresome Galler
fering classes and personal The y making.
artists want to share their skills and
y realised thaquickl
sector ourselves,advice,through was brilliant.setting up the business structure.
vice was fantastic and theser
or us.t it was the one fy realised tha
t the ound tha we fsector ourselves, training and guidance received
tive Enterprise Hub The Co-operathrough ve us advice on y gaThewas brilliant.
The setting up the business structure.y are still vice was fantastic and the
or us.
tive Enterprise Hub
artists want to share their skills and knowledge with people from the local
y those who ma especiall,communityy excluded.ged or socialldisadvanta
tive will also provide a The co-operaor individuals or rent fbench and tools f
who want to make their own jewellerve no place to work.ha
artists want to share their skills and knowledge with people from the local
y be y those who may excluded.
tive will also provide a or individuals
y but who want to make their own jeweller
November 2010
esome GalleryOr
The members of Oresome Gallerchosen a co-operaproven
ve y haThe members of Oresome Galler
t has tive model thachosen a co-operaroups gother y manwith popular
of
said Jon Clarke of Humberside CDA,
said Jon Clarke of Humberside CDA,
Snap
Shedlight Productions
Visit www.oresomegallery.com snapstudio.org.uk shedlightproductions.co.uk
“Build a foundation for your organisation.
Establish a mission and your values.”
Oresome Gallery
Shedlight Productions
Shedlight Productions
Snap
y concerned society increasingl ethical bout environment,a
y concerned ethical
inciples in place and
New Pioneers
principles in place and shared
27
ethical bout environment,a,bilitytrading and sustaina
rowth in the number seeing a gtive and diversity of co-opera
Snap y and print workshop an art galler, is also a co-operain Bristol,
The eight members are consortium.tors and designers, illustraartists,
Gal
ethical we are
rowth in the number tive
y and print workshop tive is also a co-opera
The eight members are who tors and designers,
blishand esta
reements.ga
Shedlight Pr
esome Galleryesome GalleryOrre
t changesh wha
oductionsShedlight Pr in ,
inciples in place and round with the common g
orted from not-fis genera and it made sense ftions,organisa
principles in place and shared round with the
-profit oror and it made sense f
tors and designers, illustraartists,work under one roof producing a diverse
inal printed artworks.mixture of orig as well as books,y sells their work,galler
It is a place thaifts.cards and gble art to the local communityordafaf
ble resource fp is also a valuaSnaartists fresh out of college,
or silk screen artists.a workspace f
who tors and designers,work under one roof producing a diverse
The inal printed artworks. as well as books,
t brings It is a place tha.ble art to the local community
or ble resource f as it provides artists fresh out of college,
It or silk screen artists.
one of the fThompson,this media co-operacommunity gand co-operastories and communica
The business started in 2007,
ounders of one of the f It works with tive.this media co-opera
social enterprises roups,community gtives to help them tell their and co-opera
te their visions.stories and communica
The business started in 2007,
oductionsShedlight Pr
or silk screen artists.a workspace f
a
It or silk screen artists. ting as a social enterprise opera with help from and,
EEnterprise HuOOctober 201sstakeholder cw customers and other interested workers,pparties to beust the two wP Thompson expects there to be 15 Peter
The business started in 2007,ting as a social enterprise
tive The Co-opera with help from tive in became a co-operaEnterprise Hub,
It is set up as a multi-October 2010.t allows tive thastakeholder co-opera
customers and other interested At present parties to become members.
just the two workers are members but Thompson expects there to be 15
provided the advice on tive,opera-coy training and consultancy a nearb
tive Enterprise The Co-operabehalf of
business planning,tive values,opera-coThe consultancy included Hub.
financial advice and practical training.
oductionsedlight Pr
provided the advice on y training and consultancy
tive Enterprise
business planning,The consultancy included
financial advice and practical training.
Snap
r ns orkshops andruns workshops andcourses in screen printing and book binding.
Snap
P
courses in screen printing and book
Thompson expects there to be 15 Peter tto 20 membe
d a fliuB“uor yofsilbatsEuoy
Thompson expects there to be 15 .y next Octoberto 20 members b
n oitadnuod a f. noitasinagrr oud nn aoissih a m
” .seular vu
y or smoothltive so quicklto a co-operat support.without tha
y y or smoothl
working together while retaining
p was set up in September 2007 Snawith assistance from Brian
wo yeTTwVE Ltd).CDA (BRAAVBrian conducted a business review
working together while retaining
p was set up in September 2007 y of itleTwith assistance from Brian ter wo years la
Brian conducted a business review
w Cris listened know how to implement it.
t we wanted to achieve and made wha
o ounda Build a fown this route is:o blish Estation.or your organisaaa mission and your values.bbusiness decisions can be b
Cris listened t we wanted to achieve and made
tion oundablish
our YYobusiness decisions can be based
Brian conducted a business reviewtive Co-operaThe y bor fpaid
He worked with new and origHub.members to examine the business
.oresomegallerVisit www
g
,Brian conducted a business reviewEnterprise tive
inal He worked with new and origmembers to examine the business
pstudio.org.uk shedlightproductions.co.uk.com snay.oresomegaller
Shedlight PShedlight P
pstudio.org.uk shedlightproductions.co.uk
oductionsPr
bbusiness decisions can be b
pstudio.org.uk shedlightproductions.co.uk
business decisions can be based
FC United of Manchester
Wigton RUFC
Fair Play Equal Say
Visit www.fc-utd.co.uk wigtonrugby.co.uk shapelydoesit.co.uk sailboatproject.org
Most sport combines elements of team spirit and competition. But when it comes to business, co-operative enterprise is more rewarding for participants and fans.
“Gradually more clubs are using this
co-operative model.”
FC United of Manchester
FC United of Manchester
FC United of Manchester
Wigton RUFC
28
ir PaF
y alir P
y
uqEMost sport combines elements of team spirit and competition.
co-operabusiness,
y al Sau
Most sport combines elements of team spirit and competition.tive enterprise is more rewarding f co-opera
y ya
ior participants and fans.tive enterprise is more rewarding f
am spirit and competit
United FC United FC United
B h iior participants and fans.
But when it comtion.
Manchesof Manchesterof Manchester
es to
FC United of Manchester-owned club,supporter
pioneering £1.5 million community share issue to raise funds f
round ay uses the gcurrentl but has a site ma,yin Bur
Closing on 30 Novemberth.Newton Hea
FC United of Manchester a , has launched a -owned club,
pioneering £1.5 million community share It round.or its own gissue to raise funds f
g Lane t Giground apped out in but has a site ma
Closing on 30 November
“
-oculc
e roy mllaudarG“
”.ledoe mvitarepo-s ihg tnise urs abu
ble if we need it.vailais ongoing help at opportunity to receive help reawas a g
and provided us ,from an outside body
W highlights a difWigton RUFC
It ble if we need it.t opportunity to receive help
and provided us
ference highlights a dif
Closing on 30 Novemberth.Newton Heathe share issue will raise funds fdevelopment of a new stadium thaalso include meeting and leisure facilities or community use.football club in England to raise funding f
.ythis wa
FC United is a fantastic demonstra
, Closing on 30 Novemberor the the share issue will raise funds f
t will development of a new stadium thaalso include meeting and leisure facilities
FC United is the first ootball club in England to raise funding
tion FC United is a fantastic demonstratime an
FC United of Manchester
y projects iny into mand mone
FC United of Manchester
W highlights a difpproach between fte ai
While the vast majority of .yay owned,telootball clubs are privaf
y Football Union encouraRt
y as the members in especiallsted clubs can be personallu
or thousands of pounds if anble fl
Wigton RUFCin corporaand rugbfRugbto become industrial and psocieties,unincorporalia
ference highlights a difootball pproach between f
While the vast majority of the y owned,
ges clubs y Football Union encourato become industrial and provident
y as the members in y ted clubs can be personall
y or thousands of pounds if an
t fans can achieve.of whablished in 2005,esta
who wanted a saof individuals,their local team was run,steering committee.United can become members and control
gement of their club on a one the manamember one vote basis - a practice ver
ootball.unusual in f
The club was t fans can achieve.roup when a core g
y in how who wanted a sablished a estatheir local team was run,
Supporters of FC United can become members and control
gement of their club on a one y member one vote basis - a practice ver
time and monethe surrounding community and helps to ttract other funding to subsidise these a
projects.Barnados fhosting sports coaching courses f
vers without employment.leahas also provided coaching sessions frefugees and sociallas well as arrang
y projects in y into mantime and monethe surrounding community and helps to ttract other funding to subsidise these
This includes working with projects.ork project,Wor the Making It Barnados f
or care hosting sports coaching courses f FC United vers without employment.
or has also provided coaching sessions froups,y excluded grefugees and sociall
ing mini-tournaments as well as arrang
the surrounding community and helps to
ork project,or care
FC United or
ge occurs.dama
The club aims to provide af as well as being inclusive to as ootball,f
y communities as possible.man
ble ordafThe club aims to provide af as well as being inclusive to as
It invests y communities as possible.
as well as arrangore mabef
involvement from fans.
FC United now has so manwho provide masupport tha
ormaInfCo-opera
ing mini-tournaments as well as arrangve had a huge These hatches.ore ma
involvement from fans.
y volunteers FC United now has so many and community tch dawho provide ma
olunteer Vt it has developed a support thaThe tion Pack with help from orma
The pack tive Enterprise Hub.Co-opera
ve had a huge
y and community olunteer
The pack
November 2010
FC United of Manchester
includes volunteer job specificaormainf
.fc-utd.co.uk wigtonrugbVisit www
d of Manchester
tions and includes volunteer job specification on club policies.orma
.co.uk shay.fc-utd.co.uk wigtonrugb
tions and
The Coreceived help from ,g
Enterprise Hub to become incorpora
pel.co.uk sha
,g
g n
ydoesit.co.uk sailboa
Wigton RUFCWigton RUFC
tive opera-The Co
,
ted Enterprise Hub to become incorpora
tproject.orgydoesit.co.uk sailboa
,
Shapely Does It
The Sail Boat Project
“At the core of the co-operative model is a passion for activity.”
Shapely Does It
The Sail Boat Project
The Sail Boat Project
and to develop a business plan frowth.g
or and to develop a business plan f y are encouraThemeetings where the
y in the running of Shasa
y ttend monthlged to ay are encourave an equal y can hameetings where they Does It.pely in the running of Sha
New Pioneers
29
customised to meet the model rules,Wigton Rugbneeds and traditions of
The RFU developed a ted.unincorpora and gtive model,co-opera
customised to meet the y Wigton Rugb
The RFU developed a y more raduall and g
y in the running of Shasa
The Co-opera
opera-as a coprovided advice on setting up the g
legal structure and making themselves or anble fvailaa
t we are still ato know tha
y Does It.pely in the running of Sha
tive Enterprise Hub The Co-opera
helping with the tive,operaym provided advice on setting up the g
legal structure and making themselves y questions.or an
ble to contact t we are still a
T
yaks and plenty of equipment,several kaincluding wetsuits and life jackets.
ojectThe Sail Boat PrThe Sail Boat Pr
yaks and plenty of equipment,yak Kaincluding wetsuits and life jackets.
Shapely Does ItorkshiYYo North in Bentham,
ym (similar to a a vibro-gtoning chairs,
tive plans to increase the range opera-cote) and a treadmill,Power Pla
fer in the near future.of equipment on of
is a orkshire,
ym (similar to a
tive plans to increase the range and the te) and a treadmill,
fer in the near future.
t we are still ato know thaThe Co-opera
people doing an
The Sail Boat Pr began when three friends Brighton,
a- all commun
ble to contact t we are still ay or antive Enterprise Hub fThe Co-opera
ything similar to get them people doing an
ojectThe Sail Boat Pr based in , began when three friends
- all community activists who also like
including wetsuits and life jackets.training courses are also held in the Lake District.
opera-The Cowith support from ollowing the business plan developed By f
t Project the Sail BoaEnterprise Hub,y the end of 2011 it will t bexpects thaThen the co-operaown a yacht.
fer sailing holidable to ofbe a
yak Kaincluding wetsuits and life jackets.ork and YYotraining courses are also held in
tive operaollowing the business plan developed
t Project y the end of 2011 it will
tive will Then the co-operays and long
a
tive so thaopera-i
with support from ,tn
.e
ailing - had
coithout muc
ternterprise Hueality
-fetched idea in a sailing - had a far
t people like us tive so thay could go sailing and without much mone
tive opera-The Co with support from the dream is becoming a Enterprise Hub,
ys and long fer sailing holidable to ofbe a as well as vel,distance carbon-free tra
or training and experience opportunities fon a larger vessel.
doe mvitarepo-ocf te oroe cht tA“
ys and long as well as
or training and experience
s a l iede hf t
as the toning chairs ,bilityy awomen of anare power assisted and designed fimpact.
ym isThe g
y Shapely Does ItShapely Does It
as the toning chairs or low are power assisted and designed f
Ttion,a
nbase in Brighton there is a 16ft sailing
s open to all
The main acare educa
and regular s
tive The main activities of the co-opera skill sharing training,tion,
At the and regular sailing practice.base in Brighton there is a 16ft sailing
tion into a serious us turn a pub conversa
sort out our produce a business plan and
vitcr aon foissap
do some market research,finances,
tion into a serious
sort out our produce a business plan and
” .ytiv
one of the directors.t Redfern,said Pa
ym provides somewhere fg
ym was set up as a co-operaThe gving been run after haAugust 2010,in
or three years prior to the y ftelprivaWhen the previous owner tion.incorpora
one of the directors.
or people to ym provides somewhere f
tive ym was set up as a co-operaving been run
or three years prior to the When the previous owner
produce a business plan and
tive Business opera- who provided the
tive model is a passion fopera-t Sail BoaThe people a.
ble to others.vaila
Jo Bird of CoConsultants,
coactivitybuilt a co-op around their passitheir desire to make it a
produce a business plan and
tive Business
or tive model is a passion fve t hat Sail Boa
built a co-op around their passion and ble to others.
When the previous owner tion.incorporadecided to sell the business,
ym came together to buy it between the g Now all the users of the gthem.
become members of the co-opera
When the previous owner the users of decided to sell the business,
ym came together to buy it between ym can Now all the users of the g
tive.become members of the co-operaThe Sail Boat Pr
ojectThe Sail Boat Pr
ble to others.vaila
y open to new members and new
their desire to make it a
ver
ble to others.
y open to new members and new
30
November 2010
Networks of co-operative
expertise
“It’s a great example of what could be possible.”
Paul Martin
“We are helping to build long-term sustainable co-operative enterprises.”
Brian Titley
“Involving the Hub helped them to focus on the future and move forward.”
Hywel Davies
“It’s about collective ownership and being very open to new members and new people
benefiting.” Jo Bird
“It’s mucky work, but it’s the stuff that many co-ops need. You have to roll your sleeves
up and get stuck in.” Sally Kelly
“We are able to provide a support network, and can encourage relationship building
with our available contacts.”Jim Pettipher
“The very flexible nature of the support provided by the Hub allowed us to bring it
all together and fill in any gaps.”Dave Hollings
“We are seeing a growth in the number and diversity of co-operative enterprises.”
Jon Clarke
“They dipped into the advice available from the Hub as and when
they needed it.” Gareth Nash
“Fledgling co-ops are drawing on a vast body of experience in this field and it will
cost them nothing.”Austen Cordasco
31 New Pioneers
Good for everyone
Co-operative principles
1 Voluntary and open membership
2 Democratic member control
3 Member economic participation
4 Autonomy and independence
5 Education, training and information
6 Co-operation among co-operatives
7 Concern for community
Jim Pettipher is Development Director of Co-operative Futures, the agency that leads the consortium that delivers advice and training for The Co-operative Enterprise Hub in South East England. This is his view of the impact of The Hub
Co-operatives are enjoying a bit of a renaissance at the moment. Each of the major political parties chose to feature them in their manifestos. Co-operative legal forms are at the heart of what the coalition government means by the Big Society. For example, emerging popular
trusts, village shops and community shares all have co-operative values and principles at their centre.
Thanks be then for the launch of The Co-operative Enterprise Hub. Without it many of these new community enterprise initiatives and others like them simply
co-operative development expertise that is crucial to getting them off the ground.
The Co-operative Enterprise Hub has offered a lifeline to the relatively few remaining co-operative development agencies. About two years ago, co-operative development seemed in a state of terminal decline. The number of specialist co-operative development agencies was falling. Co-operative development workers, with many years of developed skills and experience, were finding other jobs.
All this was happening at the time when enquiries for help from prospective co-operators were just starting to increase.
The Co-operative learned of this situation and came to the co-operative
development agencies with a simple question: what can we do to help?
The answer: pay co-operative development agencies a fair rate for the valuable work that they do with new and existing co-operatives.
And so The Co-operative Enterprise Hub came to be.
The Hub is a perfect example of how The Co-operative brand lives up to its values and principles. By funding co-operative development work to support other smaller, newer, less well-resourced co-operatives, The Co-operative is delivering on the international co-operative principles (especially principles 5, 6 and 7, which broadly relate to how co-operatives all share responsibility for growing the co-operative movement).
This is money well spent. Thanks to The Co-operative Enterprise Hub,
development agency that I work for
co-operatives working in sectors as diverse as bicycles, paragliding, ethical retailing and childcare, to name a few.
Up and down the country co-operative development agencies are working with co-operatives helping ex-offenders, saving community resources and starting renewable energy projects. The list goes on and on.
One of the other great features of The Co-operative Enterprise Hub is that it is a service that fits with the co-operative business model. It is not about giving grants. This is particularly timely given the economic situation and the comprehensive spending review.
Here again the co-operative business model is perfect. There were no grants available to the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844. They shared a need, they developed a co-operative solution and they worked hard to deliver it.
Thanks to them, co-operative development agencies can now bring over 160 years of accumulated expertise to bear in support of people driven by similar needs and a will to address them.
Thanks to The Co-operative Enterprise Hub, co-operative development agencies can now do this sustainably.
It really is good for everyone!
by Angela Davies, Co-operative Development Manager, The Co-operative Group
This is just the start32
s iihT
us js i
ht tsu
ate sh
tr
The Co,gerManative Development opera-Co
vies,Angela Day b
Group
s iihT
tive opera-The Cotive Development
vies,delivered this serare better appropriaa
through the Hub,and improving the quality of a
us js i
the advisers vice,delivered this serble to signpost clients to are better a
ble vailages ate finance packappropriay joining the dots therebthrough the Hub,
tions.pplicaand improving the quality of a
ht tsu
y joining the dots tions.
pplicants said ge of aA small percentation process would pplicat a quicker athavour to deal with all e endeaWbe helpful.
tions within five working dapplicaay this had not been possible.occasionall
e will develop a new and improved Wt will reduce orm thation fpplicaa
ate sh
pplicants said tion process would vour to deal with all
ys but tions within five working day this had not been possible.
e will develop a new and improved t will reduce
tr
to make sure thaBut this is just the start.
building an ever stronger coEnterprise Hub continues to improve,
econom
o do thTToindependent evaluaThis will provide us with baseline da
tive opera-The Cot to make sure thae want WBut this is just the start.
tive opera-building an ever stronger coEnterprise Hub continues to improve,
.yeconom
o do this we commissioned an tion of our work.independent evalua
ta This will provide us with baseline da
pplicapplicant waiting times.a
tive Enterprise Hub aopera-CoThe ional launches of The reg
ble media coveravouray faver
tive enterprise generallopera-cohelped to build the positive ima
ttended a Business I aIn June this year
ttracted tive Enterprise Hub aThe
ge and ble media covera
.ytive enterprise generallge of helped to build the positive ima
ttended a Business
orce of It is the driving fcore principle shared b
tion among coCo-opera
Enterprise Hub which is maThe Co-operaresources of
the skills of co-opera
opera-blished coestaadvisers and the needs of new and
tive opera-The Coorce of tives.opera-y all cocore principle shared b
tives is a opera-tion among co
tching the Enterprise Hub which is mative Group with The Co-opera
tive development the skills of co-opera
tive enterprises.operaadvisers and the needs of new and
This will provide us with baseline daand the tools f
t we can ensure a consistency of thavice across the regser
standards.
The provisional results of the evaluashow thathose sur
ramme,prog
ta This will provide us with baseline dation so or ongoing evaluaand the tools f
t we can ensure a consistency of ions and drive up vice across the reg
standards.
tion The provisional results of the evaluat almost two thirds (64%) of show tha
tisfied with the y sayed are vervethose sur with a further 28% being ramme,
ions and drive up
tion
tisfied with the
ttended a Business I a,In June this year
tive Enterprise Hub opera-The Cowhere wards ceremonin the Community a
ward in the Northern ick aTwon a Big tegorAction caFoods Rural
y pleased because these aespecially a panel of independent are judged b
and experienced practitioners.wards aim is to reward businesses a
te the positive impact t demonstratha
ttended a Business
tive Enterprise Hub y wards ceremon
ward in the Northern I was .ytegor
wards y pleased because these ay a panel of independent
The and experienced practitioners.wards aim is to reward businesses
te the positive impact
As this report shows,had an big impact on individuals and
ged in all kinds of communities engaactivities - running shops and pubs,providing childcare and employment
renewaopportunities, arts and sport.ood, frecycling,
it has already As this report shows,had an big impact on individuals and
ged in all kinds of activities - running shops and pubs,providing childcare and employment
,yble energ renewa arts and sport.
ramme,progy safairl
opera-CoAn impressive 78% feel tha
exceeded their expecta
with a further 28% being ramme,tisfied.y sa
tive Enterprise Hub met or operaThe t An impressive 78% feel tha
tions.exceeded their expecta
te the positive impact t demonstratha as well as ,ve had on societyy hathe
ted with placing the benefits associat the heart of the business.responsibility a
tive model has proved opera-The codo.t coy whabusiness is exactlt the heart of the Placing responsibility a
to be one of the most enduring and
te the positive impact as well as
ted with placing t the heart of the business.
tive model has proved tives opera-t co
t the heart of the
to be one of the most enduring and
y of these clients haMantheir success was largel
tive to the co-operaconsultants pointing them in the right direction and providing
te advice and ppropriaatraining.
t ve told us thay of these clients hatheir success was largel
direction and providing te advice and
y
ys of organising business successful wat stands out a- a success tha
of econpending
he Co-oterprise
ntinue toupporti
ys of organising business gainst the t stands out a
current backdrop of economic crisis and spending cuts.
tive The Co-operaEnterprise Hub will
y its part continue to plarowth in supporting the g
November 2010
ing existing gBy engative development co-opera
advisers to deliver the The Co-operavice,ser
ble income stream is providing a valua
advisers to deliver the tive Enterprise Hub The Co-opera
ble income stream
pmen
ble co-operadevelop
ainaprises lo
and development of tive ble co-opera
enterprises long into the
Photographs: The copyright of all photographs belongs to either The Co-operative Group or the individual co-operative pictured except for: p5 George & Dragon © Co-operatives UK, p6 Green Valley Grocer © NB Press Ltd, p20 York Disabled Workers Co-operative © Les Woodward, p31 Jim Pettipher © Secret Agent MarketingEditorial and design: www.alpha.coop
For more information, please visit:
co-operative.coop/enterprisehub
twitter.com/enterprisehub
facebook.com/enterprisehub
flickr.com/photos/enterprisehub
Printed on 100% recycled paper, FSC certified, chlorine free.
Want to know more?
The Co-operative Enterprise Hub is a working name for Co-operative Action Ltd. Registered Office: Co-operative Action Ltd, New Century House, Corporation Street, Manchester, M60 4ES. Registered in England/Wales. Registered No. 4495012.