A community cooperative is neighbours coming together to own and run something for our shared benefit —
with decisions made fairly and any surplus reinvested locally.
A community cooperative is a group of people who
own and run something together — like affordable food, energy, workspace, childcare, or housing.
It exists to provide value for members and the local area, not to maximise profit.
1
Member-owned
Members are the owners. Each member has an equal say: one member, one vote.
2
Community-first
Any surplus is used to improve services, lower costs, and build local wealth.
3
Fair & transparent
Rules are clear, meetings are open to members, and decisions are recorded.
Governance — how we make decisions
Members
Anyone who joins becomes an owner with a vote. Members set the direction and hold leaders to account.
General Assembly
All members meet (usually yearly) to approve plans and budgets, and to elect the Board.
Board of Directors
Elected by members. Stewards the co-op between assemblies and reports back to the community.
Management & Committees
Staff or volunteers running day-to-day work (finance, outreach, services) under the board’s oversight.
Decision flow (simple)
Members share needs and ideas.
Board/committees turn ideas into workable plans.
Members review progress at meetings and vote on the big things.
Community shares — three simple options
Choose the level of involvement that suits you. All money raised supports the co-op’s mission.
1
Class 1 — Membership shares
£100 each (minimum 1, maximum 10).
Full voting rights: one member, one vote.
May earn modest interest if finances allow (not guaranteed).
Withdrawable in line with the co-op’s rules.
2
Class 2 — Investor shares (optional)
For members who wish to invest more (if permitted by rules).
May have capped interest, typically a little higher than Class 1.
Withdrawable subject to board approval and financial capacity.
No extra votes beyond your membership share.
3
Class 3 — Supporter shares
For people or organisations who want to support without a financial return.
No voting rights and no withdrawals.
No interest. The return is social, not financial.
Supporters receive recognition, updates on impact, and help keep the Brown Pound circulating locally.
Share class
Voting
Interest
Withdrawals
Purpose
Class 1 — Membership
✔️ One member, one vote
Modest, not guaranteed
Yes, per rules
Join, co-own, and steer the co-op
Class 2 — Investor
✔️ Voting via membership share (no extra votes)
Capped; may be slightly higher
Board approval & finances
Extra funds to grow the co-op
Class 3 — Supporter
❌ No vote
0%
No — non-returnable
Social/community return
Interest policy — in plain English
Key points
Interest is not guaranteed — it depends on performance.
The Board reviews finances each year and recommends a rate (up to a maximum).
Members approve any payment at the AGM.
Rates are modest — a thank-you for support, not a high-risk investment.
Typical caps by class
Class 1: up to ~3% (membership-focused).
Class 2: up to ~5% (recognising larger commitment).
Class 3: 0% (social return only).
Exact limits and method will be set in the Rules and/or Share Offer.
Traffic light guide
Strong year
We may pay interest (within caps).
Average year
Smaller interest or none.
Tough year
No interest — we protect services and stability first.
FAQs
Do investor shares give more votes?
No. Voting is “one member, one vote”.
Can I withdraw my money?
Class 1 and 2 may be withdrawable under rules and finances. Class 3 is non-returnable.
Is interest guaranteed?
No. It depends on finances, capped, member-approved.
What’s the main benefit?
Better services, fair prices, stronger community wealth — including keeping the Brown Pound circulating locally.