In 2022, a significant number of customers of York Supplies expressed concern that the shop might be lost to the community upon the retirement of Jon and Jean Jaffa, the respected owners of the business since 1986.
A series of meetings were held in local venues and it was clear that there was enormous support for action to continue the business.
Customers were invited to an awayday to explore options and more than 20 came and it was decided that a community benefit society would be the best way of acquiring and running the business.
This was not a minor undertaking. Following the awayday, interested customers were invited to come on to a committee of the York Supplies Action Group, which became the acting committee of the new Society.
Following an application to the Financial Conduct Authority, a rigorous process which included background checks on all of the committee, approval was obtained to create York Supplies Community Society Limited.
The Society launched a highly successful community share offer, and after a testing process was granted matching funding from the Government’s Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. These funds enabled us to acquire York Supplies and begin to operate it on behalf of the local community.
The initial acting directors stepped down at the Society’s first annual general meeting of members on 11 July 2024. Some stood for re-election, with others making way after their contribution over the last 18 months.
Richard Bickle: (Vice Secretary) Richard Bickle grew up in Cornwall where his family ran a traditional hardware shop that he worked in in various roles. He moved to Birmingham in 2005 and is a past Director and Vice President of Central Co-op, as well as co-founder of a number of small community co-operatives. Richard works as Society Secretary for the Co-operative Press and as a freelance consultant and development worker.
Dominik Brotherton: (Secretary): life-long Birmingham resident, microbiologist and grassroots activist contributing wide-ranging skills in collaborative working, health and safety, legal requirements, ensuring accountability, grant writing, graphics and generally making things happen.
Danielle Joseph: (Chair): four years in Kings Heath, with heavy involvement in community projects, charities and volunteering, and ten years as an NHS manager, now also raising a young family. Contributes skills in governance and several types of management.
James Langstaff: (Vice Chair): with extensive experience as trustee and chair of charities (e.g. homelessness and community development) and as non-exec director and chair of social housing organisations. All of his working life involved community engagement of different kinds. He was a parliamentarian for 7 years.
Richard Yapp: the son of Harry Yapp, one of the founders of York Supplies. Richard worked in the business part time for many years. A retired Charted Financial Planner and currently a Director of the British Trial and Rally Drivers Association and also their book keeper .Richard is also a Parish Councillor .
David Cragg: A long-standing “fan” of York Supplies, and as a CEO/Regional/National Director of major public agencies has 20 years of experience in all aspects relevant to the committee.
Philip ‘Oz’ Osman: has lived in Kings Heath for nearly thirty years, carpenter with longstanding involvement in many local voluntary organisations. Contributes local knowledge and connections, and astute questions.
Adrian Wakelin: After volunteering for York Supplies since January 2024 in the capacity of Project Manager, overseeing the repair and refurbishment of the old stable block storage building, Adrian continues this work offering even more to the society as a member of the board.
Jane Charlesworth (Treasurer): Jane already helps with finance for Birmingham Friends of the Earth as a big part of my job helping to run our community building in Digbeth. She is a liveaboard boater and gardener and therefore particularly fond of a good hardware shop, especially one that sells plants!
Bernard McCarty: Focused on ensuring the shop remains a cherished resource for everyone. Bernard’s goal is to support the Society’s objectives and plan for its long-term success through thoughtful planning and community involvement.
Dr Georgina Key: grew up in Kings Heath, and after working away for many years, in 2015 moved back. A customer of York Supplies, she was delighted when the opportunity to invest in and keep it for the community came up. Georgina is now fully involved in Kings Heath and having a tangible, positive impact within the community.
Sush Kelly (Membership Secretary): moved from Moseley to Kings Heath in 2007, a designer/developer who is involved in several community projects. Contributes IT and social media communication, design and development skills.