2. How much should we set ourselves up in  competition with High Street Suppliers.

While the Hub will stock produce that is a minimum of 10% cheaper than their own stock, the group agreed that the key factors for our starting a Hub  (principally supporting producers, attracting a wider demographic to local produce & bridging the gap between consumers and growers)  highlight the key differences between a Hub and the High St. If some competition exists, that may encourage shops to work in a more community-orientated manner.   However, collaboration with all parties is important, and retailers will be consulted and encouraged to become involved in the shaping of the Hub. (First discussed by John, Sophia, Barrie and Noni 10.07)

3. Should retailers be invited to provide dry goods to the Hub? Initial idea to invite retailers to provide dry goods to the Hub may not be realistic in the short term. ( Discussed by John, Sophia, Barrie and Noni 10.07)

 4. A 30 mile radius for suppliers is agreed. This was tentatively agreed on as it will allow all those participating in the CPRE Food Mapping Survey to be included. (Agreed by John, Sophia, Barrie and Noni 10.07) NB. Ask Jenny to inform her local contacts as appropriate

 5. We should follow Stroudco’s pricing structure (Agreed by John, Sophia, Barrie and Noni 10.07)

6. Should we set ourselves up as a community Interest Company or an Industrial and Provident Company?

An Industrial and provident society is the simplest form of structure. A Community Interest Company is not so commonly used. The main benefit of a CIC is that if the company is would up, any resources must go to another charity. This makes it more attractive to ethical investors, but more complicated when it comes to arranging insurance and so on, because it is a more unusual structure. Stroud are setting themselves up as a CIC, and Sophia and Noni were keen to ensure the ethical basis to our structure, but we try to find out what difficulties it may lead to,Sophia will investigate. (First discussed by John, Sophia and Noni 24.07)

7. Should we be accesible to all sectors of the community? It’s important to ensure the Hub is accessible to a range of people, accounting for different ages and abilities. This needs to be built in to the development of the Hub at the outset. Ideas included  encouraging consumer members to ‘adopt a street’ and bring produce to their neighbours; having an older person ‘buddy’ with a younger friend to help with deliveries; consumer members helping growers familiarise themselves with the web technology - - --more ideas welcome! (First discussed by John, Sophia, Barrie and Noni 10.07)

8. What should we call ourselves?  Totnes Food Hub is our working title. Can we think of something more exciting?   We should hold a competition to decide on our name  ( Discussed by John, Sophia,and Noni 24.07)