New PioneersNovember 2010

Inspiring examples of a fresh approach toco-operative development

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

Taking care and control

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

Wholesome food at fair

prices

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.