Putting your money where your mouth is

Here's an interview I did earlier this morning with Helen Seymour, from Headingley Development Trust.  

(Apologies for me muttering away in the background from time to time - I keep forgetting not to do that)

The Trust takes a socially enterprising approach to making Headingley a better place in which to live.  They recently supported a community buy-out of a local healthfood shop, and they are in the process of converting a former primary school into the Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre.

I came across them through their relationship with Swillington Organic Farm.  Around 30 Trust members have committed to buy chicken and pork from the farm over a 6 month period - and have paid up front.  This gives Jo, the farmer, confidence - and cash - to rear the animals, in the knowledge that she has a market for them.

I really like this kind of business relationship.  I think we need more of this kind of thing.  Running a small business - particularly one with a lot of up-front costs and a perishable product - is an inheritently risky business.  It's good to find ways to share that risk a bit.  

If you'd like to know more you can get in touch with the Trust.

Comments

[Andy]

Great stuff. Shame the first 'problem' that Headingley has according to Helen is students but oh well...

[Rob Greenland]

Thanks Andy. It's a fair point. To be fair I think people sometimes take a bit of time to get into their stride when they have a camera pointed at their face. I think their take on it is about the importance of a balanced community - I think they'd say there was a time when just about every house that was put up for sale went to a student landlord - which made it hard for young families to move in - and had an impact on shops, pubs etc. But you make a fair point all the same. Thanks Rob

[Robert Ashton]

Hopefully we'll see a lot more ladies like Helen rising to the challenge of regaining control of their communities.

[Kate Jam Queen]

I am a member of Otley Country Markets - can be seen in the background of this video at the Farmers Market. We are also a cooperative and social enterprise with 34 shareholders (each of whom joined for 5p for life membership). We produce homemade high quality food keeping traditional skills alive whilst providing income for small producers and local food for communities - we hope you will visit us too!