Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Since the government cut the Feed in Tariffs, a lot of very smart people have been determined to prevent it slowing down the community energy movement. A new kind of business model is beginning to emerge, that is smarter, more participatory and less reliant on government support. As it happens, it could be an ideal format for urban energy co-ops - and we think Taunton should be first in line.
Do please come and join us on Wednesday 14th at 3pm for a presentation on how smart solar storage could shut down fossil fuel generators across the UK (not too technical) and how it could work in almost any community.
Please check out the attached poster and circulate far and wide - and the event is listed on Facebook, so let us know if you're coming.
Oh, and... there will be mince pies.
Friday, 4 November 2016
Autumn newsletter
Click for a download.
Thursday, 30 June 2016
Going places: co-operative transport solutions
These two projects show how grassroots activism in communities can meet real needs and give rise to fast growing, technologically sophisticated social enterprises. What's more, those enterprises can remain firmly connected to the communities that gave rise to them, using membership participation to continually improve and adapt to the changing world.
Come along to 10 East Reach between 1pm and 3pm to find out more - and please stick around for the Annual General Meeting of SCS CIC at 4.30pm.
Saturday, 25 June 2016
Some words of advice for Co-opertives Fortnight.... from 1883
Friday, 24 June 2016
Brexit and the co-operative movement
So, we are to leave. What does that mean for co-ops?
Firstly, the coming recession (or at least, downturn) will mean that people turn to co-ops to fill the gap left by capitalist enterprises in retreat, and public services in decline.
The introduction of trade tariffs will be a further shock, but may create opportunities for import-substituting Worker co-ops. The rising cost of imports may also boost the recycling economy, where co-ops are historically strong.
Interest rates could go either way, and house prices will also display volatility; not good conditions for housing co-ops and CLTs to operate in. Local currencies may well become more valuable relative to sterling, and community shares may benefit from a lack of reliable investment options.
The damage to social capital may be the biggest threat. Co-ops that bring together rich and poor, young and old, town and country, are needed more than ever; but the sharp contrast in values and visions may spill over into internal conflicts. Finding new, shared goals to unite around must be the first priority.
Saturday, 18 June 2016
SCS newsletter celebrates Co-operatives Fortnight 2016
Our summer newsletter contains a full timetable of the five (yes, five) events that are coming up around Somerset where you can learn more about the continuing growth of the co-operative movement. Events are taking place from Glastonbury to Wiveliscombe, with the first on the 24th June at 10 East Reach in Taunton. And there's more: the brand new Hive is offering free advice and support for new co-operatives, there is big news around co-operative housing and community supported agriculture, and much more - all packed into just eight pages.
Monday, 7 March 2016
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“So I’ve heard” |
The blog is written by SCS’s Co-operative Community Organiser Jon Cousins, and his latest post is about the launch of a new Community Supported Agriculture business: Plotgate CSA – a co-operative aiming to “grow local food for local people, and sharing the fun of farming.”
Why not take a look? “So I’ve heard”