Transition Exeter

The working group presented its progress report to a meeting of over 20 TE food folk on 11^th January at the St Sidwell's Centre. There was an extremely useful discussion and challenge from producers, retailers and others on the theme 'Have we got this right?'. Two units have already been identified in Paris Street and negotiations for the lease are about to start. The business plan is being put to the test with the help of two experienced retailers in the local food sector. Once sure of our figures, we will go out in early April for a 'Community Share Issue' (under the name of the legal identity 'Exeter Local Food') to raise the initial capital. We are being advised along the way by Wessex Community Assets.

The meeting on 11^th January helped the working group to define the shop's 'core offer' around the themes 'local', 'affordable' and 'community owned'. The project consists of a shop and an interconnecting bakery and cafe. The story will be the story of food and the authenticity of its provenance. It will remind people of the seasons and offer the cake as well as the icing on it. It will be a 'hub' that attracts a wider footfall than 'the converted'. It will be knowledgably stocked and staffed to offer the convenience and range of fresh produce expected by a much wider range of people than the traditional 'green' market. It will, we hope, offer a model that can be replicated. BUT we are still waiting for a name for the shop. Any ideas? Please bring them to the TE monthly action meeting on 9th February at 6.30pm in the Global Centre, or contact David Mezzetti at dmezzetti@ukonline.co.uk for any other information or offers of support.