Community Shops: A growing sector in the UK and Ireland

James Alcock10th October 2013

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

The Rise of Community Shops:

• 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

www.communityshops.coop

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

Inspiring other Sectors

• Growing sector with impressive success rate

• Limited examples known in NI and ROI

• Legislation and support available in NI

• What are the barriers in NI?

Reflections