Preston Co-Operative Development Network Cooking Programme in Conjunction with Kind Communities CIC

Since minoritised communities are traditionally under-served by mainstream enterprise schemes, Preston Co-operative Development Network (PCDN) in conjunction with Kind Communities CIC, designed and delivered a structured enterprise training programme for female cooks from underrepresented communities.

The programme was funded by Preston City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The 'Lady Boss' programme engaged with a group of 10 non-registered, home- based female cooks from minority communities, interested in gaining the requisite food safety qualification, registering with the local authority for food safety purposes, and incorporating as a business.

70% of the group came from Preston's most deprived wards, and 60% were non- native English speakers. To ensure language and cultural barriers were overcome, and legal and technical concepts understood, the programme was led by a multi-lingual PCDN Consultant and completely female led, in accordance with the group's preferences.

The 6 full-day programme consisted of workshops followed by facilitator-guided small group support, with mentors who had faced and successfully overcome the same challenges as group participants. By the end of the programme, all members had achieved Level 2 Food Safety certification, and 70% had successfully started trading.

Adeela, a course participant said:

'The amount the course has covered, and the support and training received has really helped me build my confidence.'

Sangeetha, an attendee said:

'I was able to understand how to start a home business and really enjoyed every weekly session.'

Maria who also did the course said:

'The trainer was very friendly. She explained everything very nicely and shared her own experience which was also helpful for us.'

The initial aim of the programme was to encourage individual business set up and growth. As a result, the group has expressed its hope of collaboratively purchasing ingredients, cooking and catering.

The group catered for Preston City Council's International Women's Day event, working together to cook and serve a three-course meal for 50 people. As testimony to their culinary skills, two Preston based organisations have asked them to cater at upcoming events. It is hoped that if the success continues, the group may explore forming a co-operative. Further support and training will be provided by PCDN to facilitate this.

Councillor Nweeda Khan - Cabinet Member for Communities and Social Justice said:

"This is a wonderful initiative, and it has been a pleasure to see how Lady Boss participants have not only grown in skills and knowledge but also in confidence and I look forward to seeing where this journey takes them next."

The Lady Boss programme highlights the importance of understanding and responding to societal changes. The message of co-operatives and co-operation is one that resonates widely across the population, and needs to become more inclusive to include historically disenfranchised groups.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the UK government provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit: GOV.UK - UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus.