Farmborough Community Shop

Supporting our village and local community

Farmborough Community Shop wins SW Prestige Award

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Chris receiving the SW Prestige Award

We are delighted to have won ‘Community Shop of the Year 2020’ in the South West Prestige Awards.

The awards recognise the important work of small and independent businesses and celebrate those which consistently offer excellent products and services to local people. Osmaan Mahmood, Founder and CEO of Prestige Awards, said, “Although small businesses may not be able to com- pete with multinational companies on their size and scale, there is a personalised service-driven focus that is often void from large organisations.”

Chris Bullock, shop manager, collected the award at a ceremony held in Exeter, and said, “A big thank you goes to all the volun- teers and supporters of the shop who have helped us to grow over the last three years. We look forward to continuing to serve the community for many years to come.”

Energy initiative exceeds expectations

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In February 2020, the Farmborough Community Shop Management Committee made the decision to launch an initiative to improve the energy efficiency of the shop, raising the funds needed through community pledges and grant applications.

The aims were to replace inefficient electrical equipment alongside the installation of 14 solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels. The total investment needed was in excess of £6,000, which would save the shop at least £500 per year. To maximise the saving, the solar PV panels needed to be fitted before the end of March to qualify for preferential Feed-in Tariff (FIT) electricity rates.

The full cost of the project was achieved within weeks of the initiative’s launch, including a grant of £2700 from The Naturesave Trust towards the cost of the solar PV installation, which was installed mid-March, one week before lockdown.

A comparison of energy use between 2019 and 2020 for the six months from April to September has shown a reduction of 3311kWh, which equates to a saving of £511 to the shop and a reduction in the amount of CO2 totalling 117kg.

Phil Gray, Treasurer to Farmborough Community Shop said, “The installation of the solar PV panels, funded through a combination of grant funding from The Naturesave Trust and community pledges, has surpassed our expectations. Our original calculations indicated that we would reduce our annual electricity bill by £550, but the operational figures show that the panels have exceeded this in just over six months of use.

“Farmborough Community Shop is currently using 80% of the total energy being produced by the panels, and this is saving us money which can be spent in other areas of our business and increasing community support. A significant reduction in CO2 is also something we are proud to have achieved, making our business more environmentally sustainable.”

The community shop has been an important hub of the village since 2018, but 2020 has seen a greater need for its services, with over 500 home deliveries made to local vulnerable and shielding villagers throughout the Covid crisis.

The Naturesave Trust is funded by the activities of Naturesave Insurance, the UK’s leading ethical insurance provider for individuals, businesses, charities and community groups.

Our project has been featured in the following local press and media:

Midsomer Norton and Radstock Journal
Keynsham Town Community Radio (KTCRfm)

Radstock Nub News

Chris Bullock named finalist in national awards

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Chris Bullock, manager of Farmborough Community Shop, with wife Natalie, get juicing at the Big Family Apple Day 2019

Chris Bullock, manager of Farmborough Community Shop, has been named as one of the finalists in a national award to recognise some of the most inspiring community businesses in the UK.

Our voluntary-run, community-owned business, which opened its doors for the first time on Saturday 30 June 2018 after 6 years of planning and fundraising, offers a range of staples, alongside unique local products and gifts, as well as providing a space/hub for local people to meet over fresh coffee, tea and handmade cake.

Chris’ work in managing the shop is now being recognised by national charity the Plunkett Foundation – an organisation which supports rural communities across the UK to tackle the issues they face through community business. Chris is one of three finalists in the People’s Choice Award which recognises an outstanding individual who has contributed so much to their community business. The award is sponsored by Hastoe Housing Association.

Sam Ross, Company Secretary for Farmborough Community Shop, said: “Chris’ commitment to the shop is continuing to bring in new customers and new volunteers. His keen eye on the health of the business also helps the shop committee to prioritise initiatives that allow our business to grow as well as support our local community.

“Our shop is still learning to find its feet, but Chris’ enthusiasm and ability to adapt to change cannot be underestimated in these early stages of our business. The committee is indebted to Chris for his unfailing support in helping us to achieve the dream that was so long in the making. We are proud that he has been a crucial part of our early success and would like to recognise him for his important part in this, which has changed our village for the better.”

Twenty-one community businesses across the UK have been shortlisted for the 2019 Rural Community Business Awards. Finalists range from farms and pubs to cafés, shops and a woodland.

The awards are sponsored by Hastoe Housing Association, who specialise in providing sustainable, affordable homes to enable local people to remain within their communities and are being presented in partnership with Power to Change – the independent trust that supports community businesses in England – and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation which supports organisations that are building an inclusive, creative and sustainable society.

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 27 November at Burlington House in London.

Winners will take away a cheque for £250.

Find out more about the finalists: https://plunkett.co.uk/awards-2019-finalists/

Find out more about the awards: https://plunkett.co.uk/awards/