Case Study- Exeter Real Food

The transition movement and local food producers in the Exeter area of Devon wanted to put a shop in the city centre that would supply local produce.

Exeter is notorious as a 'clone' high street with the usual chains all present and independents gradually failing.

Meetings were held and a plan for what was to become The Real Food Store was developed.

At a very early stage, it was decided that this was to be for the benefit of the community- those living and working in Exeter.

The founders wanted to finance the Store using share capital to engage the people it would require to be customers.

They worked hard and raised over £150k. The shop has been running for a while and looks great.

Volunteer labour enabled the shop to be decorated at a low cost- both time and money were invested by the community the shop is set up to serve.

Wessex Community Assets was able to advise on how an IPS 'bencom' is run, how to issue shares to the public and train up a member of Exeter Local Food Limited (the IPS that trades as The Real Food Store) to act as the Secretary.

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