The community share offer for Wholefoods of Newport in Newport, Pembrokeshire has got off to a spectacular start. Over £100,000 towards the £375,000 target has already been raised, and more than 70 individuals and several companies are now shareholders. It is also great news that, although it is possible to become a shareholder with an investment of £100, the average investment currently exceeds the target of £1,000 per person.

“We are delighted with the wonderful progress made so far. We never expected to raise over 25% of our target in just three weeks,” says Anna Brown, a Director of Project Wholefoods, the community benefit society leading the project. “This is a testament to how much Wholefoods of Newport is loved by the local community and visitors alike, and the huge gap it would leave in Newport’s very special high street if it closed down.”

“My mother and I have put our heart and soul into making Wholefoods of Newport what it is over the last 11 years, but retirement plans mean that we need to sell it or shut it down in the autumn,” says co-owner Clare Thomas. “So it’s fantastic news that so many people have already invested to safeguard its future as a wholefoods shop through a community purchase. All current staff will keep their jobs if the share offer is successful, and we are excited by the plans that the Project Wholefoods team have for making it an even better place to shop.”

“Wholefoods of Newport is the centrepiece of the independent shops that make Newport so special,” says shareholder Rachel from Moylgrove, Pembrokeshire. “It provides an outlet for our local growers and bakers as well as stocking basics and more exotic store cupboard ingredients. I invested because I'd like to protect the diverse offering that comes from having shops of all types in our small towns."

But you don’t have to live locally – or even in the UK - to become a shareholder!

“Although supermarkets and shopping malls have their place, I am a fervent believer that we need to support local businesses, customs and trade whenever and wherever possible, no matter what part of the world we live in,” says Shona from Brisbane, Australia. “This is particularly so in a town like Newport where there is such delight to be gained from wandering down the high street, noodling in and out of the different establishments, and appreciating all that they contribute to the community.

When a chance came up to be part of the community purchase of Wholefoods of Newport, I couldn’t resist. Not only will my small contribution help prevent its closure, but I now get the warm glow of knowing I own a teeny, tiny bit of Wales. Now, to work on my Welsh! Rwy’n gobeithio ymweld yn bersonol yn faun.”

More info...

• Find out how to invest
• Read what shareholders say
• Watch a video including audio and slides from the share offer launch 
• Download the slideshow from the share offer launch (right click the link to view in your browser)
• Read the share offer, business plan and other supporting documents

Any suggestions? Any questions?

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any suggestions or questions – we’d love to hear from you!