Daily Bread Co-operative

Daily Bread Co-operative is A Workers Co-operative which was founded and registered in March 1976 as one of a new breed of co-operatives. It is a Christian based business which took its name from the Lords Prayer. It was founded my such people as Roger Sawtell who over the years been involved both locally in Northampton (UK) and nationally in the Co-operative movement. Another member was Michael Jones who did own the family firm of jewellers in Northampton. He became involved in the Co-operative model of doing business and to that end he effectively gave the business to the workers by converting his business to a co-operative. Daily Bread with other founder members spent 4 years in discussions etc before opening on the 1st October 1980.

With many social aims its main product was wholefoods which was packed and sold on the premises. Its concern in supporting people with mental health issues, providing health foods, and being Christian as gain it much respect.

Currently with a workforce of over 25 and a turnover of 1.3million it has demonstrated that it is possible to run an successful business with good social aims but still be able to trade and be completive in the 'real world'.

Daily Bread as a Worker Co-operative in common with other Co-operatives runs the business with the principle of 'one person one vote' which means that the members are all equal and have a say on how the business is run. Daily Bread is unique in many other ways, such as very a wage structure that each person is of equal worth and to that end the wages are basically flat with the members each getting the same wage. If the Member has children they will get an extra 'dependant allowance' as they resynchronise that the needs of the family may be greater than a single person.

Providing employment and support to people with mental heath needs is another aspect and always recognising needs outside the Co-operative they have a small Community fund fund to support local needs in Northampton but also a Third World by giving money via Strive (overseas) ltd to causes outside the Co-operative. These funds are directly linked to turnover, so go up or down depending on sales.

Its product range of basic wholefoods has seen an increase of about 12 in the first few months to an increase of over 5,500 products now stocked. Products include environmental friendly cleaning materials, body care products and much more. Selling organic and fairtrade products and other food products such as gluten free food for example. With still a large portion of products packed on the premises, Daily Bread despite the name does not actually baked any bread and only buys in a few loaves as part of its wide product range.

External links

• Daily Bread Co-operative