Suma are proud to be a supplier to The People’s Supermarket

www.thepeoplessupermarket.org/

As a fully fledged worker owned and managed co-operative since 1977 we at Suma are thrilled to see this wonderful business set up and wish it’s members every success.

We love the open, eager, passionate and energetic approach to the business from the founders and the obvious participation and involvement of the worker members as they take on and add their own values and vision to the concept. We understand it’s not always easy for people to ‘get’ co-operative working but we firmly believe it’s the most sustainable model for running a business and are happy to offer advice and help to anyone who want’s advice on setting up and running a truly democratic workplace. email alexs@suma.coop or leave a comment on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SumaWholefoods

Naturally we have been delighted to see our own brand products, tinned beans, tomatoes and toilet rolls and some of the many other brands we supply, from our range of over 6,500 products, www.sumawholesale.coop/ feature on the on the Channel 4 show, http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-peoples-supermarket

We are watching with great interest the developing interest in the business here at www.facebook.com/thepeoplessupermarket and look forward to seeing how the most exciting concept to hit UK retailing since The Co-operative opened it’s doors in the 1800’s develops.

So we’d like to say a huge well done to Arthur, Kate, Andy and all the members to get this far. We can see that it’s taking every ounce of energy you have got 24/7 and we are all rooting for you up here.

We hope you enjoy receiving your order from ‘big Sandy’ today, it was a pleasure taking it over the phone with Amanda the other day. We hope it sells quickly and we look forward to another one later this week and the week after and after that………………………..

Onwards and Upwards

Your Friends In the North,
Alex S for Suma Wholefoods

The People’s Supermarket, the central-London shared-ownership local grocery store, has attracted over 300 members in just six months. Since its launch on 12 June the store, which is owned and run by members, has encouraged local people to support local shops and businesses. It believes shopping should be local, social and fun, and its rapidly growing community includes:

303 members– 15 previously-unemployed people– 20 independent food suppliers.

Visit The People’s Supermarket website

The People’s Supermarket is subject of a four-part Channel 4 documentary, scheduled to air in January 2011, and an independent photography project which focuses on the stories of the people who work, volunteer and supply the store. Missed the first episode

The People’s Supermarket is a social enterprise not-for-profit grocery store owned by its members. In return for volunteering to work in the shop for four hours a month, members receive a 10% discount on their shopping. Based at 72-78 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London WC1, The People’s Supermarket aims
wherever possible to source its produce locally and keep food miles to a minimum. With an emphasis on healthy eating and healthy lifestyles, it carries around 2,000 lines ranging from basics to leading brands. As well as attracting a volunteer membership of over 300, The People’s Supermarket has employed 15 formerly unemployed local residents and is committed to supporting local businesses and producers. The People’s Supermarket aims to bring individuality, character and personality back to our high streets, many of which have been decimated by faceless out-of-town superstores.

The People’s Kitchen

Its in-store kitchen serves healthy soups and salads made daily by resident chef and co-founder Arthur Potts Dawson. A pop-up restaurant will also be on-site during the first week in December. We take any organic waste to the Calthorpe Project, where its composted, and used on the community vegetable garden. The produce is sold in the People’s Supermarket.

Our Environmental Policy

The People’s Supermarket is committed to integrating environmental best practice into
all its business activities. The People’s Supermarket accepts its environmental responsibilities and recognises its obligation
to reduce the impact of business activities on the environment. The People’s Supermarket will achieve this through a policy of continual improvement in environmental performance.

Our eco committee formally meets every 6 weeks, but is always working on campaigns. We are responsible for coordinating the environmental sustainability activity and making sure that it’s embedded in the staff handbook, member induction programmes and daily task sheets. We are always open to ideas (and additional helpers).

To find out more or to become a member, click here.