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Biodiesel

100 Fairfield Street
Behind Piccadilly Station
Manchester M1 2WR

0845 373 2769

info@greengoldbiodiesel.co.uk

Co-operative Structure and Principles

Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative is set up as a consortium co-operative, which means that the membership comprises both workers and customers, and both get a say in how the business is run and developed. Members vote on major decisions, and elect the board of directors from amongst their own number.

A set of ideals for the operation of cooperatives was originally set out by the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in 1844.

The Rochdale Principles were last revised by the International Co-operative Alliance in 1995 and form the basis of the principles on which co-operatives around the world operate to this day.

Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative is committed to upholding these seven guiding principles:

First Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
Membership to Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative is open to all persons willing to accept membership responsibilities, without gender, social, political, racial or religious discrimination.

Second Principle: Democratic Member Control
Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative is set up to be controlled by its members on a basis of one member, one vote. Elected representatives (directors) are accountable to the members.

Third Principle: Member Economic Participation
Members are to contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative. Members will decide with what purpose to allocate surpluses, in line with the company Articles of Association and Memorandum.

Fourth Principle: Autonomy and Independence
Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative is an autonomous organisation controlled only by its members. If Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative enters into agreements with other institutions or organisations, or raises capital from external organisations, such as Neighbourhood Renewal Fund or Local Investment Fund, it will do so on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and on terms that ensure co-operative autonomy.

Fifth Principle: Education, Training and Information
Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative is not only committed to providing education and training for members, elected representatives, and employees, but Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative finds this imperative to the success of the business.

Sixth Principle: Co-operation amongst Co-operatives
“Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, regional and international structures”. Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative has worked, and will continue to work, to build strong relationships, which are mutually beneficial and founded in co-operation with other Manchester-based co-operatives. Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative intends to develop relationships with other co-ops such as UHC (Ultimate Holding Company), a marketing and design collective working for social change, 8th Day, health food shop and cafe, Golden Fuels a workers co-op which has been set up to make and distribute biodiesel in the Oxford area and Unicorn Grocery, all of whom have helped Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative become established.

Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative will particularly look to support local co-ops that share similar aims and principles and national co-ops working in the renewable fuel sector.

Seventh principle: Concern for Community
Manchester Biodiesel Cooperative works for the sustainable development of the community, with particular regard to community health and awareness.