Project information packs are available free of charge. These packs are for people wishing to find collaborative solutions to rural business needs, whether it be for joint service provision, marketing or resource sharing; and for employees or communities wishing to take over a rural business in order to ensure its continuation e.g. after the retirement of an owner.

The packs include the following items (also available separately):

Five information sheets about the project and the benefits of collaboration between rural businesses and groups. Includes Frequently Asked Questions sheet on Legal Structures and Responsibilities, and mini case studies.

Information sheets x 5

Helping Rural Businesses Thrive. A two-part guide for businesses and groups wishing to collaborate through joint marketing, service provision and purchasing, taking them through all the steps from start to finish.

Part 1

Part 2

Keeping Rural Businesses Alive. A two-part guide for community and employee groups wishing to buy out vital rural businesses threatened with closure, including post offices, shops and pubs. It takes users through from start to finish, with information on items such as raising finance and assessing commitment within the group.

Part 1

Part 2

Fact Sheets. A series of eight fact sheets to accompany the two guides, providing more detailed information on the more complex issues, such as legal and organisational structures, and sources of specialist support.

Fact Sheets x 8

Introducing Makers' Co‑operatives. A leaflet aimed at all those working int the arts and crafts field who would like to know more about setting up a co‑operative, and the benefits that can be gained by doing so. It includes case studies and gives practical advice.

Makers' Co‑operatives

We have also published a guide entitled: Delivering Employee and Community Buyouts - A guide to the Succession Process. This is a technical guide for development workers and business advisers.

The guide covers Routes to Succession, Assessment of the Business, Raising Finance, Legal Structures for Succession, Taxation, and Learning & Participation, and also contains a checklist and case studies

Succession Guide (click on image to download)

Together with the Provide Project, we have published an information sheet on rural care provision, including co‑operative approaches.

Rural Care Provision

We have put together a best practice paper using information gathered by partners during the course of the project, which we hope will help others carrying out similar work in the future.

Best Practice

If you would like a copy of any of these materials please email rural@cooperatives-uk.coop or telephone 0161 246 2945 giving your full contact details.

Succession Seminar, 1st October 2003, Birmingham

The following items are available from the seminar:

Dave Hollings, CMS Negotiations, the buyout team & legal form

Andrew Hibbert, ICOF ICOF, and raising finance

Geof Cox, Economic Partnerships Raising Finance (the Campari & Soda Presentation)

Norman Watson, Wales Co‑op Centre Achieving business succession through employee ownership

Raymond Ainscoe, Wrigleys Solicitors Pensions (584 kilobytes)

Case Study 1: Community Purchase - Village Shop: Problems and Solutions

Evaluation Form

Evaluation Results

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