Social Economy and Co-operative Development Cornwall

Incorporated in 1997, Social Economy and Co-operative Development Cornwall Ltd (trading as KABIN ltd) is the only Co-operative Development Body based in Cornwall with a successful track record of promoting and developing co-operatives and other forms of social enterprise - seeing many through from conception to firmly established organisations. These have included sole traders, community interest companies, energy companies, registered charities, associations, unincorporated co-ops, worker co-ops, credit unions, investment co-ops, development trusts, housing co-ops, residents associations, allotment committees, and industrial and provident societies. Kabin also helps cross-sectoral partnerships where a multi-disciplinary approach is needed - such as with food/healthy living, energy descent and land use.

Paul Martin, one of the founder members of Kabin, gave his reasons for wanting to set up a Co-operative Development Body: "I was inspired by a New Economics Foundation conference held in 1995 called 'Real Wealth' which discussed the need for organisations to carry out social and environmental as well as financial auditing - and I've been spreading the ideals of common ownership, sustainability and co-operation ever since".

Kabin's strength is that it operates at the heart of its community, meeting local needs. They are now working to build capacity and have undergone SFEDI training in the light of the new national framework for accreditation and social enterprise support, to give the best possible provision for new and existing groups in Cornwall.