News
Community-owned shops stepping up at Co-operatives 2010
A number of community-owned shops and representatives stepped up to the co-operative mark at the Co-operatives 2010 three day long conference. The event brought together a range of community shops, from those in their first year of trading through to those that had been up and running for 16 years, as well communities pushing forward to open their shops in the very near future. As well as shop representatives, a number of regional advisers and retails experts were in attendance and it was clear that there was a great deal of experience and knowledge to share, as well as delegates coming armed with their own questions to hear more specialist advice from the sector.
Peter Couchman set the tone for the day with an informative and inspiring presentation reflecting on comparisons between now and the first Co-operative Congress in 1831. The message that co-operatives and community-owned enterprises are sustainable forms of business and ever increasing in numbers was clear. With over 100 million people employed in the co-operative movement (20% more than multi-national enterprises) we have a wealth of information and experience to share with each other. Peter Couchman, Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation said;
“This was an historic day, both for the community-owned shops coming together to learn from each other and for them taking their rightful place at Co-operatives 2010 as one of the fastest growing forms of co-operatives in the UK.”
James Alcock, Manager of Community Retail at the Plunkett Foundation highlighted the role that the Community Shops Network has to play in sharing this wealth of information across community-owned shops, above and beyond geographical limitations. The online Community Shops Network not only brings together shops across the UK, but also provides direct access to a number of ‘experts online’, many of which attended the Community Shops Network Meeting on the day.
The day included two workshop sessions, each with three options for delegates to select the most valuable and relevant session for them.
In the morning delegates picked from:
• Running your community shop – expert advice surgery
• Recruiting and retaining volunteers
• The Post Office and community retailing
The afternoon sessions included:
• How to sell more local food
• Being greener together as a community
• Retailing for profit
Jim Brown, lead consultant for Baker Brown Associates presented on the potential of community shares to raise substantial finance and contribute to the long-term viability of community projects. Jim explored how community shares can provide a practical and appealing alternative to loans, both on behalf of the investor and the community business.
The day finished with a discussion on the future of community retailing. Delegates were consulted on the potential influence and voice community shops could develop through establishing a membership and identity. The response was positive and delegates were keen to explore the idea further.
James Alcock, Manager of Community Retail at the Plunkett Foundation said;
“There was a genuine buzz and energy about the day with a great deal of best practice and experience shared between shops. I was particularly pleased that the foundations of a community shops working party formed in order to consider a membership body for community shops. I look forward to supporting this venture further.”
The Plunkett Foundation are looking at establishing a community shops steering group to strengthen the voice and representation of the over 240 community shops that have established and are trading within the UK. If you would be keen to find out more on how to be part of the shops steering group, please contact james.alcock@plunkett.co.uk.
