Wholefood Planet, a new wholefood shop in Norwich, is going to be officially opened by Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, on 18th March 2009. The store is registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and it is set up as a Social Firm which will create good quality paid work for people with learning disabilities from Norwich.
The novel approach of Wholefood Planet is what has attracted the Minister’s interest, and that of the entire third sector. It is the first Social Firm retail outlet in Norwich, it is the first Wholefood Planet store to open in the whole of the UK, it is the first joint venture between Norfolk County Council and Norwich City College to develop a Social Firm, it is the first social licensee to open in the whole of the UK as a Social Firm retail outlet and, in addition to everything else, it is promoting healthy eating and organic products within its local area and therefore meeting other social agendas.
Wholefood Planet, a new wholefood shop in Norwich, opened its doors to eager customers on Monday 26th January. At a time when much of the news from the retail sector is gloomy, this shop is different and brings positivity to the area. It is registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and it is set up as a Social Firm* which, in this case, will create good quality paid work for people with learning disabilities from Norwich.