A bid to set up a community-owned grocery store in Prestwich has seen over 100 investors come forward to back the scheme that will work with local growers and suppliers to provide fresh, sustainable and affordable produce to the people of North Manchester..
The MP for Bury South, Ivan Lewis, became the enterprise's 100th member after buying a share this week to become a co-owner of "Village Greens" – the newly formed society aiming to establish an ethical wholefood store in the Longfield Centre, Prestwich,
Ivan Lewis, said: "I am absolutely delighted to become the 100th person to sign up to the Village Greens initiative - I believe Village Greens represents community empowerment at its best.
"Local residents coming together to share their knowledge, their skills and their money in order to provide a valuable resource ensuring that people have access to good quality, organic, and importantly, affordable produce is absolutely fantastic - I would urge people to invest in Village Greens and help it meet its target."
More than £30,000 has been raised through its community share offer which was launched last month with support from The Co-operative Enterprise Hub – the closing date is Monday, 2 December.
To be a co-owner of the community co-operative costs from £100 with each member having an equal say in the running of the society which aims to create local jobs and volunteer opportunities while supporting the local economy. It will also build links with community groups and schools to deliver education workshops on matters including healthy eating, cooking from scratch and sustainable food supply.
Rachel Getliffe, secretary and founder member of Village Greens, said: "The response and enthusiasm that we have seen so far has been amazing – we have had even had interest from people wanting to buy shares as a Christmas gifts!
"Now is the time to act if people want to support plans to see a community-owned grocery store open in Prestwich.
"We will work with local growers, suppliers and producers to promote fresh local produce, wholefoods, dairy products, vegan and vegetarian options, sustainably sourced fish, organic meat, environmentally friendly toiletries and household products and, organic wines and beers - it will be a place where people can buy healthy, sustainable products with minimal packaging and processing and, at affordable prices."
There has been a near 25% increase in the number of UK co-operative enterprises since 2009.
Michael Fairclough, head of Community and Co-operative Investment at The Co-operative - which assisted the community through its Co-operative Enterprise Hub, said: "By working together people can be powerful catalysts for change capable of overcoming many of the challenges facing society, the environment and economy. Co-operation can be key to bringing about the changes that people want to see in their communities."
Village Greens is looking to raise a total of £120,000 It hopes to raise most of the money needed through its community share offer before exploring loans or grant finance.
Investors in the share offer may also be eligible for tax relief under the Government's Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS).
For more information and to obtain a copy of the share offer document visit their website.
Community groups interested in co-operative solutions to the running of businesses and services can contact The Co-operative Enterprise Hub, a free service operating UK-wide to support the creation and growth of member-owned enterprises, by visiting their website.
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