community shops: a growing sector in the uk and ireland james alcock 10 th october 2013
Post on 19-Jan-2018
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Introduction:
• Introduction to the Plunkett Foundation
• Definition of a Community Shop
• Flavour of the UK and Ireland Community Shop Sector
• The Benefits of Community Shops
• Inspiring other Models of community ownership
• Reflections
The Plunkett Foundation
• Established in 1919 in Ireland
• Apply co-operative solutions to rural problems
• From Agricultural Economies to Service Economies
• From Shops to Launderettes!
Help available
• 22 members of staff• Network of over 50 advisers• Network of mentors
• Community development• Legal structures• Business planning• Raising finance• On-going development
• Online tools and resources• Strategic relationships
• Post Office• Cabinet Office• Number 10
• Membership
What is a Community Shop?
• Businesses which trade primarily for community benefit
• They are democratically owned by members of their community.
• All members have equal say in how the business is run, regardless of level of their investment.
• The interests of the business are linked into community control
• 315 shops currently trading
• Receive 30-40 new shop enquiries per month
• Actively working with 110 potential shops in the pipeline
• Anticipate 25 news shops to open this year
• Sustainable form of business • a 96% survival rate for shops
People
• 170 members – democratic control• 7 management committee members – protecting the
values• 4 members of Staff – giving a sense of stability• 31 Volunteers – adding to the vibrancy
• 945 Staff• 7,796 Volunteers• 51,510 Members
• 1.47 million volunteer hours
• £9.1 million saved in wages
Services:
Typical Services:
• 100% ‘everyday’
• 47% offer cafes
• 57% host Post Offices
• 95% sell local food
• Meeting Space
Finances:
• Turnover ranges from £4,000-£1,000,000
• Average Turnover £161,000• Total UK Turnover - £49million
Distribution of Profit: • 19% community projects
Like for Like Sales: • Community shops +2.9%• Sainsbury +1.8%• Tesco -0.3%
The Benefits?
1. Safeguarding essential services
2. Creation of a community hub
3. Contribution to local economy
4. Creation of jobs
5. Volunteer and training opportunities
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