Indymedia YorkCafe Puritea - an update
"what's going on with this café then?" is a question often asked so, here's an answer:
Café Puritea (previously known as "Cafe Creation") is still very much in it's infancy. so much, in fact, that we've yet to sell one cup of coffee! We've yet to start trading, acquire premises, or raise the necessary funds. but all in good time.
What we have done is officially registered Café Puritea Community Interest Company with Companies House, the government department that overseas all businesses trading within England and Wales. This is the first step any new company has to make, and is a precursor to opening a business bank account.
Next on the list of major things to do is to open a Co-Operative DirectPlus Bank Account for a Social Enterprise, and this is something we're working on at the moment.
Following that, the big funding drive will launch: we're looking to get donations and grants from the people of York, the Council, Princes Trust, Art Foundation, Baring Foundation and so on. The aim is to raise £200,000. annual rent and council rates for a central York premises are approximately £50,000. We're also looking to pay our staff a living wage (something above the minimum wage for a 21 year old).
Finally, the café is happening because a handful of dedicated people meet every Sunday (4pm, Evil Eye, Stonegate). Anyone who turns up has a say in the direction of the business, and the more meetings you attend, the more likely you are to work for the café. So, if you've yet to come to one of our (in)formal meetings, then please come along! anyone and everyone is very welcome.
Thank you for your continued support.
