Houghton and Wyton Community Shop is an inspiring example of just what can be achieved when individuals come together to save an asset at risk of being lost, as well as the impact community-owned businesses can have on those around them.
Houghton and Wyton is a village in Cambridgeshire with a population of just under 1,800 residents. A shop has existed in the village since the mid-1800s, so when the owners decided to retire and put the shop up for sale in 2015, there was a community desire to maintain a valuable village asset.
After a period of community consultation, the decision was made to form a Community Benefit Society with the aim of taking over the shop and running it for the good of local residents.
The shopkeeper and her assistant in c.1914
One of the earliest challenges the group faced was writing a business plan to outline the future of the shop and to attract possible investors. This paperwork included the preparation of a funding proposal to go to the National Lottery Fund and an FCA compliant share prospectus to present to potential shareholders.
Plunkett UK was able to help with a number of these issues, particularly around the legalities of a Community Benefit Society, including the use of their Model Rules template under which the shop could be run. This support helped the successful raising of the funds, including the share offer which raised over half the money needed to buy the shop.
By offering prospective investors a minimum holding of £100 and a maximum of £20,000, the group raised £350,000 from shareholders. They were then able to secure £300,000 of National Lottery funding and they rounded out the money required with a bank loan of £100,000.
The shop had long been considered a community hub and, with the new ownership model, residents were keen to continue that tradition. It served as a lifeline to villagers during the pandemic and proved itself as a key community benefit.
To meet the demands of the mixed local demographic and ensure the shop is a success, the group holds quarterly ‘Shop Fayres’ to engage with customers and enable them to garner feedback which is then used in the ongoing marketing planning as to what is offered in the shop.
Houghton and Wyton staff and volunteers with representatives from CPCA, Plunkett and Cambridgeshire ACRE in September 2023
Local community
Houghton and Wyton has a Community Fund, and the shop works closely with the fund to support various local projects. There is also a commitment to dovetail their efforts with community-focused groups, such as the school, village groups and societies, and the Parish Council. These partnerships ensure that the community benefits and that efforts are complementary rather than duplicated.
Local supplies
In a similar vein, the shop tries, where possible, to use local suppliers for things like fruit and vegetables, meats, and even stationery. This reduces food miles and also develops a distinct character and personality for the shop. To further aid this aim of reducing carbon footprints, the shop uses energy efficient freezers and LED lighting. They also work with their suppliers to reduce packaging wherever possible.
Local employer
Historically, the shop has always been a local employer and the committee is keen to continue this tradition. They currently employ a total of eight full-time and part-time staff and have a pool of volunteers who offer over 200 volunteer hours a month. These hours revolve around work like bookkeeping, marketing, and working on the shop floor. Young people are also encouraged to volunteer, with a number of Duke of Edinburgh students having gained experience by working in the shop.
Houghton and Wyton Community Shop is an inspiring example of just what can be achieved when individuals come together to save an asset at risk of being lost, as well as the impact community-owned businesses can have on those around them.
With new funding from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Plunkett UK is supporting more groups across the region with free business advice and grants of up to £50,000, enabling them to set up community-owned business to save, bring back or create new services in the area’s market towns and rural hinterlands.
The shop manager, Ian Chapman
Photo credits: Houghton and Wyton Community Shop website
Duncan Smith photography
Want more information?
For communities wanting more information about the support and grants available in the market towns and rural hinterlands of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, please call us on 01993 630 022, or email info@plunkett.co.uk
