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Principles met

  • Enterprise and social economy

    We will promote community-based approaches to economic development that focus on supporting the creation of jobs, social enterprises and other businesses and providing an environment for co-operative and mutual enterprises to thrive.

Over the past year, Preston Cooperative Development Network (PCDN) has worked to expand the reach of cooperative enterprise in Preston, aiming to serve as a centre for democratic entrepreneurship and community wealth. Using the expertise and community connections of two Barefoot Practitioners, PCDN has introduced PCDN in the Community (PITC), a weekly advice and coaching service for Prestonians seeking to establish and grow their business or cooperative.

Businesses emerging from this scheme have become part of a network of co-operatively managed enterprises in Preston, receiving ongoing support from PCDN. Until now, the main users of PITC have been individuals and groups traditionally excluded from business ventures and advisory schemes due to socio-economic, cultural, or linguistic barriers.

At the same time, PCDN continues its efforts to develop an ecosystem conducive to community wealth building. Links to anchors are being revitalised, with new connections established with accountants, unions, and the long-anticipated North West Mutual, which is set to open its first branch in Preston by the end of the year. With these components in place, the operating infrastructure of a co-operative economy will be strengthened and better positioned to serve communities’ needs.

Angela, Eddie, and Kelvin who are setting up 852 Cleaning after participating in Preston’s enterprise training programme, the Clean Collective. 852 is the country code for Hong Kong.

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