Across the UK, communities are finding new ways to protect the independent businesses they love; by coming together to own them.
From local shops to much-loved pubs, more people are exploring the co-operative model to keep valued businesses at the heart of their communities. In Kings Heath, residents came together to buy and save York Supplies, a treaured hardware shop that continues to thrive as a community co-op.
As more small businesses face challenges around succession, rising costs and changing high streets, could community ownership offer a way forward?
We’d love to hear your views👇
Have you seen examples of a community coming together to buy a business and save it from closing?
Would you consider being part of a community co-operative?