Melmerby and Fellside Village Shop LTD.

Structure of the new shop

The community enterprise was established in April 2004, as the Melmerby and Fellside Village Shop Ltd.  Importantly, the  enterprise is also an Industrial and Provident Society, a bona fide community co-operative.  This status as a co-operative is in contrast to the previous store, which was run as a sole trader business.  The business began trading in July 2005, serving the 700 residents of Melmerby as well as visitors to the surrounding area.  As a co-operative, it has a ‘common ownership’ dissolution clause and membership is open to people living and working in the villages of Melmerby, Ousby and Gamblesby, as well as adjacent settlements and people with an interest in the area.  Members of the co-operative purchase between 1 and 100 shares at a price of £10 each and acquire one vote in the business whatever their shareholding.  (Share capital now stands at £11,000.) Members benefit from small dividends on their investments (although profits will be ploughed back primarily into the business and will also be used for charitable and social purposes), and are also eligible for a discount on purchases from the shop.  Members elect a voluntary management committee for the co-operative from among themselves at an A.G.M.