New co-op interested in new members

We are two Libitarian Socialists who have set up a conventional internet based business, we are looking to covert it into a full "Yellow Rules" Workers Co-op in the near future. Over the next year or so we intend to add another two or three members, so that our Co-op can continue to grow and be viable in the future. There are no positions available at present, but are looking to make contact with others in the region who might be interested.

Praxis Books, is an internet trader of second-hand books, based for the last three years in premises in Blackhall Colliery, County Durham. We have tens of thousands of mainly specialist titles, serving largely, University libraries, academics, students, enthusiasts and book collectors.

We source our stock locally, dealing with progressive local charities and universities, who supply stock and recieve funds in return. We then offer these books for sale across the globe, bringing money into the region from outside.

We are in the process of becoming a workers Co-operative with a delimited wage structure, and a proffit share requirement to fund community projects, both at home and further afield. Any property or other assets of the new Co-op cannot be realized by its members for thier own individual or collective benefit, the whole being held rather in trust for future members of the Co-op.

For the moment our trade is purely on the internet, but we do have active plans linked to becoming a co-op, which would require an expansion of our numbers over the next year or two. Though these may or may not come to pass!

Our ambition over the next couple of years, is to supplement our internet trade, by moving from our warehouse in Blackhall, into a larger space, where our internet trading can continue, but will be suplemented by a large public book store. In that event, we would add to our specialist stock, a full range of popular titles. We would also propose opening a coffee shop inside the premisses.

We are also planning a link-up with a local visual arts group, and are investigating a specific site for the new business, but speed of progress depends upon certain external factors.

Working in a small co-op requires that members should be socially, and in this case to some degree at least, politically compatible. So an introduction to full membership would be gradual, moving from friend to probationer and then to full membership.

Expressions of interest from Anti-capitalists, Green socialists, Libitarians and other fellow travellors would all be welcomed, especially if living locally. Sex, Age, Orientation unimportant, disability or history of mental illness not necessarily a problem.

This is not a job offer! Just an enquiry to asses the possible interest which might be out there in joining our little project.


Contact me at "praxisbooks@live.co.uk". All e-mails will recieve a reply.


Best Regards to all.

John from Praxis Books

Contact email: praxisbooks@live.co.uk