Enterprising Communities

• Summary
• A village community faces a crisis
• Support from Enterprising Communities
• Starting up
• Structure of the new shop
• Length of commitment and intensity of support
• A new shop opens
• Benefits to the community
• Wider social impact
• Conclusion
• Key learning points

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Summary

Melmerby and Fellside Village Shop is a social enterprise that was set up in a Cumbrian village to replace the old shop which had closed due to the retirement of the owners. Howard Long who worked for Voluntary Action Cumbria in the Enterprising Communities team helped the new shop in its start-up.  This case study shows the process involved in setting up a social enterprise of this kind and the unique character of the business support delivered by Howard in helping the villagers’ dreams become a reality.  Information about the village shop can be obtained at Melmerby and Fellside village shop ltd.