Case studies
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Rice up: Co-operation that creates quality customer service
Content by Business support for co-ops
Formed out of a desire to supply affordable, ethically sourced food, Rice Up Wholefoods is a grocery shop co-op in the heart of Southampton’s city centre.
2 years 6 months
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Coming together to build a local hub: Smarden Community Store
Content by Booster Fund
Smarden is a village close to Ashford in Kent. In 2019, its post office and shop closed, so local residents decided to raise funds to build a new store with post office and café services.
3 years 5 months
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Designing a creative co‑op: Creative Coop
After eight years toiling away in London for design agencies Ben Philp was, to put it bluntly, “fed up”. Multi-tiered chains of command, a lack of ethics and long hours for limited reward had all…
3 years 9 months
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On the front foot through challenging times: October Books
Content by Business support for co-ops
In January 2020, October Books, a worker-owned and run community bookshop in Southampton, was on the verge of taking great new strides.
3 years 9 months
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A co-op with people power that keeps a proud heritage alive: Norwich Mustard
Content by Co-op Fortnight
Norwich Mustard co-op is proof that when an industry that’s been synonymous with a city for centuries is suddenly shut down by a large multinational – there’s a way for individuals to take control and…
4 years 10 months
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A co-operative community of wine lovers: The Wine Society
Content by Co-op Fortnight
The Wine Society has been selling quality wines at affordable prices since 1874. “We’re one of the original Victorian co-ops,” says Public Relations Manager Ewan Murray.
4 years 10 months
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“A great sense of community” – October Books
Content by Business support for co-ops
From constrained to creative. From frustrated to fulfilled. From boredom to belonging. That’s the difference being part of the October Books co-op has made to Jessica Haynes.
5 years 9 months
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“Co-operation was the natural choice” – Natural Foodstore Diss
Content by Business support for co-ops
When the owner of the The Natural Foodstore in Diss, Norfolk, announced her plans to retire after over 25 years, workers at the store decided to take action...
6 years