Radstock Co-operative Society has been successful in satisfying strict criteria to achieve a prestigious label of trust. The Social Enterprise Mark demonstrates to customers that the Society operates for the benefit of local communities, rather than to provide wealth for shareholders or owners.

The Radstock Co-operative Society joins other ethical organisations that have been recognised by being awarded the Mark such as the Eden Project, Sofa Project, Bristol Wood Recycling Project and the Co-operative Group South & West.

The Radstock Co-operative Society is the first independent food retailer co-operative based in Somerset to be accredited with and using the ‘Social Enterprise Mark’. MP for Wansdyke, North East Somerset, Dan Norris, presented the award to Don Morris, Acting Chief Executive Officer on 11th December 2009 at the Radstock Superstore.

The Radstock Co-operative Society (RCS) commenced trading in 1868 in Radstock as a means of enabling the local community to purchase food and essential household items at affordable prices in response to unscrupulous traders who were charging extortionate prices for poor quality goods. Mixing basic ingredients such as flour with additives suck as chalk (a much cheaper commodity) was one of the practices which was rife during the time, and which prompted local community groups to take action. Small stores were set up in the front rooms of houses and were used as a base for the customers to come and get their potatoes, sugar, salt, etc and pay a fair price.

Nowadays, RCS has nine retail outlets consisting of a superstore, eight convenience stores, an organic 1,000 acre dairy farm and an extensive property portfolio. The Society’s trading area is within a 30 mile radius of its Radstock head office located in the town centre. As a co-operative business, the Society is owned by its members who are eligible to participate in the democratic election of the board of directors and attend annual general meetings.

The Society has maintained its fair price values over the past 140 years and still is, as it was in 1868, a locally owned, locally managed community retailer. The Society is only one of around 15 independent retail societies in existence today compared to over 1400 at the turn of the 20th century. So what is the secret of its longevity? Well, the community stores really are pivotal to the local communities in which they serve. Frequently, you will hear that Radstock Co-operative have been involved in supporting school and college projects/activities, community events and groups, as well as participating in steering groups and advisory committees.

In addition, the RCS is keen to support local suppliers by offering them an outlet in which to sell and showcase their products. Environmentally, eating locally produced food cuts down on food miles which is the costs of transporting goods and therefore reducing the carbon footprint.

Don Morris, Acting Chief Executive Officer said, “We’re really proud to have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. The Radstock Co-operative Society is absolutely committed to supporting sustainable businesses and consequently helping local communities to thrive and prosper. That’s why we have a determination to protect our independence. By doing so, we can be totally responsive to local needs and react quickly as and when the need arises. We believe that being awarded the Social Enterprise Mark is an endorsement of the co-operative business model which is about serving local communities and helping to sustain them for future generations”.

Dan Norris, MP for Wansdyke and Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs, said:
"I am delighted to present the Social Enterprise mark to Radstock Co-operative Society, which does terrific work in partnership with local suppliers, supporting them and providing a local outlet to sell their produce and goods. It is good to have the opportunity to formally recognise an organisation that is not just in business to make money, but to serve local communities too."

Delphine Guillemoteau from RISE (manager of the Mark) advised:
“We are delighted to award the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark to Radstock Co-operative Society. Social enterprises come in all shapes and forms so it's great to see a vital, local co-operative retailer understanding the importance of being part of the wider social enterprise brand and how it can complement the co-operative brand.”

RISE is the manager of the Social Enterprise Mark, which is funded in South West England by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund and is sponsored by The Co-operative Group South & West and Triodos Bank. RISE is funded by the South West RDA.

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