Below is a list of services offered by co-operatives or Social Enterprises in the borough.
| SOS NETWORK | Building and repair maintenance |
| 55 Ben Johnson Road London E1 Tel: 020 7701 8810 |
| ACCOUNT 3 | Training, employment and recruitment |
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1/9 Birkbeck Street Email: tonim@account3.org.uk Web: www.account3.org.uk |
Description of services We are a women's co-operative based in Bethnal Green in Tower Hamlets, East London. We offer a range of training, enterprise and development services for women in a friendly and supportive environment. We have a pool of skilled experienced staff covering a range of activities including: creche workers, outreach workers, consultants, trainers and web designers. Resources include a Women Enterprise Resource Room which can be booked by the hour by Women's Businesses. Account 3 was established as a co-operative in 199. Our main objectives are to:
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| C03 | Corporate communications consultancy |
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The East London Centre 64 Broadway London E15 1NT Tel:020 8432 0570 Fax:020 8432 0574 Email:tim@co3.coop Web:www.co3.coop |
Description of services. CO3 is a corporate communications advisory service. We assist companies and organisations (large and small) in communicating the effects of their activities from a corporate social responsibility perspective. We also advise on all aspects of online corporate communications. Our fees are levied on a time taken basis (although we will consider retainer arrangements). We also take into account the ability of the client to pay. The scope of our service and expertise enables us to ensure that all our client corporate communications in these areas are consistent, timely, coherent and are of the required quality and quantity. Co-op members Tim Purcell Has worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Finsbury. He has a background in media, broadcasting, auditing and commercial accounting and is a particular expert in online corporate reporting and shareholder and corporate social responsibility(CSR) reporting. Roger Turner Roger has worked for nearly thirty years in investment banking, latterly with Dresdner Kleinwort. He is an expert in investor relations and has advised many companies particularly in connection with equity capital markets transactions. |
| OTHERWORDS | Publishers and business support |
| Unit 3 Business Development Centre 7/15 Greatorex Street London E1 5NF Tel: 020 7354 5040 |
| SPITALFIELDS SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION | |
| Business Development Centre 7/15 Greatorex Street London E1 5NF Tel: 020 7247 1892 |
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| MUSTARD STUDIO | |
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The Whitechapel Centre Myrdle Street London E1 1HL Tel:020 7247 4947 Web: www.mustardstudio.co.uk |
Description of services Mustard studio provides a space for young designers to work together, share ideas and at the same time develop their separate businesses.
Co-op members Debi Hall, Ian Kettle, Jen Gilpin |
| PRECIOUS KIDS | Day nursery |
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Bethnal Green Fax: 020 73752750 |
Description of services
An OFSTED registered private day nursery with 23 places for children aged 1 to 5 years in the heart of Whitechapel. Four qualified women run the nursery ö they are from an ethnic minority background and work full time. The nursery ethos is to help the underprivileged by keeping the cost of childcare to a minimum. It provides a valuable service for parents who want to get back into work, who wish to learn English or who have come from overseas and need to enrol in training. The nursery is open plan allowing a free flow at certain times allowing children to choose what they want to explore fostering their curiosity. It also allows an interaction between younger and older children encouraging social and emotional development. Open Monday to Friday 8am ö 6pm.
History The nursery was established in 1997. Following the decision to close an existing crche in the Bethnal Green Training Centre the employees lead by Audry St Louis decided to take over the operation and run it as a worker co-operative. There was capacity for 5 children. The nursery has expanded to a capacity of 24 places with the assistance of the CDA by raising grants from European funds to upgrade the facilities. Co-op Members
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| SCALLYWAGS | Childrens Nursery |
| St Anne's Church Hall Underwood Road London E1 Tel: 0207 375 3547 |
Description of services Scallywags is a parent run child care co-operative and is managed by an employee of the co-operative, a play worker, who is a fully qualified. Two parents who are members of the co-operative work with and support the manager. There are 12 children per session who are aged between 20 months and two years.. The parents are either on lunch duty or active duty and their roles are fixed and carefully laid out in the handbook for parents. Parents are therefore required to work in the nursery once a week if their child is full time and once a fortnight if their child is part time. Scallywags are open from 9am to 1pm all year round apart from a two-week holiday over the Christmas period. Children can attend the playgroup from either daily or half the week The nursery session comprises a period of free play, snacks followed by singing, physical activities, stories, lunch and then physical activities again until parents arrive to pick up the children. Structured activities include arts and crafts, music and dance, imaginative games and dressing up, geared around a monthly theme. Festivals and celebratory traditions of local ethnic communities are introduced into the activities. Scallywags offers an excellent environment in which parents can meet, socialise and learn from each other. Scallywags uses parents voluntary labour to keep the costs of child care down History Started in 1991 Scallywaggs is a parent run, non-profit making, co-operative venture working in the field of education and care for pre-school children in east London. It was started by a group of parents who wanted to provide a stimulating caring and affordable daily play environment for their children. Scallywaggs started in a community hall in Hackney then moved to Bethnal Green. In 1998 it moved into St Anneâs Church. It has had between 12 and 20 member families at any one time with children staying just over a year. The organisation has run a morning playgroup session since its inception charging fees to cover overheads.
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| BARE JUICE | Design and manufacture of women's lingerie |
| The Print Room Oxford House Derbyshire Street London E2 6HG Tel: 07950 185210 |
Description of services Bare Juice offer a range of printed underwear and bed linen for women and men in luxurious fabrics. Bare Juice are a 3 women collaboration whose aim is to employ innovative, photography, artwork, designs and the highest quality fabrics to market a range of bedroom wear unavailable elsewhere. All items are processed by hand in house, using fundamental technology to fanastical effect. Bare Juice offer a bespoke service Mail shots and price lists are available on request. |
| SISTERS | Women and children's clothing |
| 62 White Horse Lane London E1 0ND Tel: 0956 958644 |
Description of services Whitechapel Market stall selling cultural clothing, jewellery and ornaments for women and children of all ages. Aysha and Latifa also trade at various functions and festivals in and around central London. Co-op members Aysha Begum Latifa Rahman |
| MONIPURI SAREES CO-OP | Women's Sarees |
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Dame Colet House Ben Jonson House London E1 3NH Tel: 020 7790 9077 Fax: 020 7790 9637 |
Description of services Monipuri Sarees was formed by Rhana Begum through Dame Colet House. Handmade sarees, shawls and salware kameeze are imported from Bangladesh and sold via community events and festivals. Monipuri materials are specialist handmade materials of high quality and originality. |
| BODYWISE | Yoga and complimentary therapies |
| 119 Roman Road London E2 OQN Tel: 020 8981 6938 |
Description of services Bodywise is a natural health centre providing complementary therapies, yoga and other movement classes. |
| LONDON BUDDHIST CENTRE | |
| 51 Roman Road London E2 OHU Tel; 0845 458 4716 |
| MUSTARD STUDIO | |
| 99 Sclater Street London E1 6HR Tel: 07967 620 513 |
| UNIQUE HEALTH LTD | |
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62 Aldgate High Street London Tel: 020 7481 0448 Email:Zaire@doctors.org.uk |
Description of services Unique registered as a co-op in June 2002 and is part of the National Slimming Centres, Europe's largest group of medically supervised slimming centres. Co-op members Shahin Zare-Azirani and Dr Mitra Zare-Azirani |
| TOWER HAMLETS | Credit Union |
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473 Bethnal Green Rd 0800 085 0283 Fax: 020 7729 9218 Email: info@thccu.co.uk Web: www.thccu.co.uk |
Description of services Tower Hamlets Credit Union is an organisation that provides straightforward, affordable financial services to a growing number of people in Tower Hamlets. Saving money with the Credit Union is a good idea. To begin saving with the Credit Union you must open a share savings account; the basic account you need to become an active member of the Credit Union. Once this account is established a member can utilise all other services offered by the Credit Union. Each share is valued at £1 and by becoming a member you also become a part owner of the Credit Union with rights to:
In order to qualify for loans, regular and consistent payments must be made into this account. Members can make payments according to their particular circumstances. |
| EVOLUTION | Eastern artefacts |
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59-61 Roman Road E:evolution@evoelon.freeserve.co.uk |
Description of services Evolution is a well established gift shop in the heart of Bethnal Green, selling a side range of gifts from around the world, as well as useful and interesting things for the home·.e.g. we always keep in stock a range of cushions, rugs and throws. Our shop is run on a collective basis and managed by a team of women associated with the London Buddhist Centre. The Evolution Shop is part of a thriving Buddhist Village in the East End, including shops, cafs and a natural health centre, as well as residential communities connected with the Buddhist Centre. |
| CO-OPERATIVE WHOLESALE SOCIETY | |
| 193-197 Mile End Road Stepney Green London E1 4AN Tel: 0207 790 2371 |
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| FRIENDS ORGANIC | Vegetarian and organic wholefood shop |
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83 Roman Road Tel: 020 8980 1843 Fax: 0870 132 5327
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Description of services We are a team of practising Buddhists, trying to make our work a spiritual practice. Our practice means that we are trying to live as ethically, honestly, kindly, generously and as compassionately as we can, along with cultivating clear thinking, mindfulness and wisdom. These qualities we are trying to cultivate in Mind, Body and Speech. We have a wide range of vegan products. We have gluten free foods Over 65% of our products are organic . All organic products are clearly marked as such. All our fruit and vegetables and bread are always organic. We stock fair-trade items. We sell environmentally friendly cleaning products. We recycle Brita water filters. If we don't have something in stock we can usually order it in for you . |
| GALLERY CAFÉ | Vegetarian restaurant and catering |
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21 Old Ford Road www: lbc.org.uk |
Description of services Buddhist Mediteranean/International style restaurant. This not your traditional Bethnal green eatery. The coffees are unusually good for those resigned to greasy spoon instant brews. They do herbal teas, delicious fruit juices, sandwiches, tortilla, mezze, pasta, ciabattas, soups, all made on the premises. Ideal spot for relaxing newspaper sessions or to meet colleagues and friends for lunch. The Buddhist men who run the Gallery create a good vibe all round. |
| GOLIS GROCERY | Cash and carry |
| 3A Saunder Close Limehouse Crossway London E14 8PN Tel: 020 7265 2999 |
| STEPNEY FOOD CO-OPERATIVE |
Fresh Bangladeshi fruit & vegetables |
| Dame Colet House Ben Johnson Road London E1 3NH Tel: 020 7790 9077 |
| WILD CHERRY RESTAURANT | Vegetarian food & catering |
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241 Globe Road Email: wild-cherry@freeuk.com |
Description of services Wild Cherry exists firstly to provide fresh, home-cooked vegetarian meals for the local community. They encourage a compassionate and conscious approach to eating by:
The restaurant doubles as a gallery with monthly exhibitions of local artists. Wild Cherry hold one-off evening dinners, cater for parties, and special events and hire out the restaurants for functions. History Wild Cherry support eight Buddhist women who work together cooperatively. Profits from the restaurant are given to the adjacent London Buddhist Centre. These funds support its work of making mediation available to all, with classes held there and in others parts of London.
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| ART.e @ the art of change | Graphic design & public art |
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6 Container City Mob: 07976 835 133 Fax: 020 7987 7922 Email: art.e@artofchange.demom.co.uk Web: www.arte-ofchange.com |
Description of services
Global Town Squares is a new innovative service. It is a participatory regeneration process using the Roman Forum as a metaphor, for engaging with the community to gather information on their history and aspirations by debate and discussion and record this in a place of physical beauty, a piece of public art, to which the community has contributed. This enables and gives the opportunity for the artist in everyone in the community to be given voice and expression. It reflects the principles of Agenda 21. ART.e @ the art of change is a legacy organization of The Art of Change which was established originally as the Docklands Community Poster Co-op in 1981 to campaign on local issues. The last 18 months has been spent completing legacy projects and developing new projects. Current and Recent Projects: 2002/3 Weaving Identities £78K : A commission from LB Tower Hamlets (as a result of a competitive bid) to do a public artwork at Weavers Fields, named after the Huguenot silk weavers who lived and worked there. This also involves workshops with local schools and community groups but is also based on the history of the area. The result will be a 7m cast stainless steel sculpture surrounded by a wall made of bricks carved by young people from the area. 2001/3 Our Glasses, Whitfield Gardens, Tottenham Court Rd £68K: 12 illuminated 2m tall glass panels with full colour artwork and etched glass, representing the history of the area and designs based upon workshops with young people from the area. It involves technical innovations in the production of free-standing illuminated glass images, with light emitting from the images themselves surrounded by clear unlit glass. 2002 Stepney Green Boys School £75K - to work with the school & Craig Bragdy to create a mural for the technology block through workshops with 933 Bengali boys. This was funded by Ocean New Deal. 2002 Neighbourhood Twinning project (phase one) Stevenage £58K. Involved workshops in two neighbourhoods of Stevenage, Bedwell and Shephall, resulting in artworks in those neighbourhoods and in Stevenage Town Centre. The latter took the form of coloured tegular paving designs, incorporating pebble and other mosaic forms, utilising the workshop materials as a basis for the designs. Other neighbourhoods to be added subsequently. Phase one completed and Launched Sept 4. 2002 2003 Poplar Futures £5K, a Pilot for a larger project to begin this year, funded through Leaside Regeneration. In partnership with the Crisp St ideas store to do outreach work with community groups & schools to develop ideas for the future of the area and linking to the Futuretown And Beyond project (see below) 2000/3 Futuretown And Beyond, (FAB), Gravesend £132K . A three year programme building upon the successful Furturetown initiative and drawing upon the introduction of citizenship into the school curriculum. The programme creates a significant arts/creativity focus delivered through ICT. Crucially, Futuretown has been expanded to a broader age range and a wider spread of communities to encompass a life-long learning dimension. Phase One involved young people in workshops exploring their identity - their 'You-topias'. This work was put onto a website, enabling their work to be used as e-postcards, establishing a 'forum', and creating their 'portals in cyber-space. Partnerships were also established with Higher Educational Institutions and Companies in the Region. Phase Two involved both schools and community groups, exploring their ideas of the future, glimpsing possible futures for themselves and creating a vision for the development of public spaces, physical and virtual, for their town. This was also put onto the Website. We created a large scale outdoor projection systemat the main Transport interchange in the centre of town. This was launched on 19 th Dec 03. The animated display involved a 'Festival of Light & Renewal', showing work expressing participant's ideas of light and renewal, whether it be their personal vision or the celebration of a communal tradition. Phase Three began in June 03 - we begin work on making the Projection System interactive, physically transform the site and create our Global Town Square. Funded by SE Arts Regional Lottery Programme, Gravesham Borough Council, Kent Thameside and URBAN.
Legacy Projects Include:
Green Street Millennium Pavement £110K (2000/02) Construction of pavement installations for Green Street, a commercial and cultural quarter of the Asian community in LB Newham. The project involves local schools and community groups in the production of design work. Outcomes include paving design, artworks in the pavement, pavement lighting elements, seating and lamppost banners. Launched May 12 th , 2002. Wymering Public Arts Project , Portsmouth £0.5m (1996-1999) A series of seven related artworks creating an environment to project the history, identity, desires and aspirations of the community of Wymering. An Agenda 21 Model Project of regional and national significance which we developed and project managed, and ourselves produced a 14 metre high 'Tree of Life' sculpture that generates power from the wind. There is a brochure available for this project. Consultancy work includes: Public Consultation and Feasibility for a Memorial to the Civilian War Dead in Lambeth. Resulted in a report and recommendations to the Town Centre Management Group for phased implementation. Organisational and Development consultancy for a Public Art Organisation. Providing systems so that they may become more professional their practice and enable them to produce a business plan. Civic Senseâ : Development of the 3- 6 year strategy for the redevelopment of Portsmouth City Centre through a redefinition of the Îcivicâ. Partners Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth University. Heavens' Light - Navigating Public Art for the Millennium Public Art Strategy for Portsmouth Harbour Millennium Renaissance. Consultation and production of comprehensive report to include site specificity, partnerships, resources, themes and development opportunities. The Green Chain: Forging the Links Public Art Strategy for Lee Valley Park. The strategy involved visualisations as examples of an approach exploring the 'green chain' concept in a variety of ways, some artist-led with consultation, others as enabling projects, some utilising high technology and a number using post-industrial or natural materials found in the Park. Challenging Public Art A public art strategy for the Bethnal Green City Challenge area. Consultancy report with visualisations making recommendations for over sixty sites. Overall strategy for consultation, financing and infrastructural networks designed for the creation of public art to engender a feeling of ownership, celebration, and sense of becoming for the communities in the area. Co-op Members Peter Dunn, Director and lead artist Anita Mc Keown, Project Development Grace Kajorner, Administration Joseph Cooke, Chair Claire Miller, Treasurer Aretha George, member
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| ARTZONE | Graphic design |
| 10 Backchurch Lane London E1 1LX Tel: 020 7481 9053 |
| CALVERTS | Design and print co-operative |
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9/10 The Oval |
Calverts is a common ownership co-op specialising in graphic design for print or web, and state-of-the-art colour printing. Founded in 1977, Calverts is an Inner City 100 award winner, in recognition of its track record as a progressive and growing company. |
| BANCROFT TENANT MANAGEMENT CO-OPERATIVE | |
| 12 Wickford Street. Stepney. London E1 5QN Tel: 0207 265 8343 Fax: 0207 790 7407 Email: rwbancrofttmc@tiscali.co.uk |
Description of services
The ownership of the properties and lettings are still the responsibility of Tower hamlets that are the Co-ops major benefactors. Day to day management is the responsibility of the co-operatives 6 full time equivalent staff. The co-ops main responsibilities are for cyclical maintenance, repairs, enforcement of tenancy conditions and the upkeep and maintenance of common areas of the estate. The co-op also believes that it has a central role to play in the local community and this belief drives the forging of new links and working partnerships with other community organisations. Our offices at Wickford street provide a focal p [point for community activities throughout the day and evenings and this has generated a momentum for plans to expand and create a new community enterprise centre serving a wide area.
History Bancroft Tenant Management Co-operative is a registered friendly society. The principle object of the Co-operative is the provision and improvement on Co-operative principles, of land, buildings or amenities, or service for the benefit of members, either exclusively or in conjunction with other members. Residents formed the co-operative in 1992 in order to have a greater say in the running of their estate. The democratically elected committee, all of whom reside on the estate and are members of the co-operative, takes management decisions. Currently there are 781 members. Built in the late 1940â2 early 1950âs, Bancroft estate is a close knit, multi racial community of over 600 flats, houses and maisonettes situated in Bethnal green. During the 1990âs the estate underwent a physical refurbishment that was funded largely by £5 million of external investment raised by the co-operative with the assistance of LBTH. |
| GRAND UNION HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE | |
| 111A Bishops Way London E2 9HL Tel: 0208 981 7857 |
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| GLENKERRY CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING ASSOCIATION LTD | |
| 44 Glenkerry House Burcham Street London E14 OSL Tel: 0207 515 8645 |
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| MILE END HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE | |
| 68 Bromley Street London E1 ONA Tel: 0207 790 6260 |
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| PHOENIX COMMUNITY HOUSING CO-OP | |
| 119 Roman Road Bethnal Green Road London E2 OQN Tel: 020 8980 1069 |
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| SOLON CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING SERVICES LTD | |
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148 Cambridge Heath Rd Fax:0207 702 7381 Email:solon@solonchs.org.uk Web:www.solonchs.org.uk |
Description of services Solon Co-operative Housing Services is a Registered Social Landlord with charitable objectives. We have over 25 years experience in successfully promoting community development and involvement in housing by meeting needs through local partnerships. This work is reflected in our mission; " promoting equality, choice and quality in housing ." We achieve these aims by providing the following professional and accountable services:
The focus for all our activities is to build and support sustainable communities empowered to take both more control of, and greater responsibility for, the solution to their housing needs. Number of Homes owned Number of Homes Managed |
| TOWER HAMLETS USERS OF SHORT-LIFE HOUSING | |
| 48 Bruce Road London E3 3HL Tel: 020 8981 5048 |
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| WILFRID EAST HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE | |
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13 Corbin House Email:wilfred.housing@dial.pipex.com |
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| PAPERBACK | Wholesale recycled paper & stationery |
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Unit 2 E:alan@paperback.fsbusiness.co.uk |
Supplying recycled printing and office papers.
Contact:Alan Goschalk |
| CALVERTS | Design and print co-operative |
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9/10 The Oval Email:info@calverts.coop Web:www.calverts.coop |
Calverts is a common ownership co-op specialising in graphic design for print or web, and state-of-the-art colour printing. Founded in 1977, Calverts is an Inner City 100 award winner, in recognition of its track record as a progressive and growing company. |
| OTHERWORDS | Publishers & business support |
| Unit 3 Business Development Centre 7-15 Greatorex St London E1 5NF Tel: 020 7354 5040/ 020 8341 0580 |
| SALAMANDER PRESS | Publisher |
| 13 Reef House Manchester Road London E14 3RD Tel; 7538 5032 |
| EASTERN CO-OPERATIVE | Bengali: video, music & books |
| 64 Hanbury Street London E1 5JL Tel: 020 7247 8501 |
Description of services Established in 1984, Eastern Co-operative are producers of Bangla cassettes, CDs, music videos, drama and short films as well as music concert promoters. Eastern co-op features works of well-known Bangladeshi artists and local talent. You will find all the best Bangla films and drama videos. Eastern Co-op also stock original, quality Bangla music cassettes and CDs. Wholesale and Retail. |
| SUNRISE WEDDING SERVICES | |
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62 Hanbury Street Fax: 020 7247 3357 Email:info@sunrisewedding.co.uk Web:www.sunrisewedding.co.uk |
Description of services ãFor all your wedding needs. We can help you every step of the way to a great weddingä. Sunrise Wedding Services provides a comprehensive wedding services including wedding cards, professional high quality filming editing and mixing, welcome gates, stages and cars to fresh flower arrangements and live music and DJâs. A unique new feature includes an animated presentation where guests can sit back, watch and find out more about the occasion - from details of the bride and groom to a detailed map of the venues. How many times have you driven aimlessly with your A-Z looking for that Wedding Hall? With this feature the guest would know exactly how to get there with a detailed map, and even print out step-by-step directions to the venue.
History The company was set up in 1999 as a co-operative and has since grown rapidly Co-op members Harun Rashid Ropu Miah |
| FAST FORWARD WOMEN'S GROUP | |
| Lewey House Ground Floor Joseph Street London E3 4HN Tel: 020 8980 0403 |
Description of services Fast Forward Womenâs Group is committed to working with socially excluded black and ethnic minority women to enable them to actively participate in their family life with young children. It is committed to develop womenâs confidence and self-esteem, provide them with a better chance in life through training and employment as well as learning new skills for their personal and professional development. It actively promotes health and culture to enable greater integration into society. Activities include: Running a Mother and Toddler Group open 3 days a week Fitness sessions Peer Group sessions including educational and social trips for women and their children
The organisation was established in 2001 with initial funding from Peabody Trust, Kingâs fund, Bethnal Green Victoria Park Housing Associations. It was registered as a co-operative in May 2002. Co-op members Shaheeda Khanam Chair Rejia Khatun Secretary Kaleyda Khaten Treasurer
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| FLOWER GARDEN CO-OP | |
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Dame Colet House Ben Jonson House London E1 3NH Tel: 020 7790 9077 Fax: 020 7790 9637 |
Description of services The Flower Garden Co-op has been supported by Tower Hamlets CDA in partnership with Dame Colet House. This is a co-op consisting of about six women who started trading in March 2002 as a result of attending flower-arranging classes where they learned to make floral baskets using dried and silk flowers. Flower Garden Co-op now supply flowers for weddings and parties. |
| STEPNEY WOMEN'S CATERING CO-OP | |
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Dame Colet House Ben Jonson House London E1 3NH Tel: 020 7790 9077 Fax: 020 7790 9637 |
Description of services The Stepney Womenâs Catering Co-op has been operating for three years from Dame Colet House. It has been providing local women with an opportunity to develop their current knowledge and skills in catering. The co-op employs 3 casual workers and several volunteers who provide catering services specialising in Bangladeshi food for meetings, social and community events of up to 300 people. |
| PRECIOUS BEADS | |
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Dame Colet House Ben Jonson House London E1 3NH Tel: 020 7790 9077 Fax: 020 7790 9637 |
Description of services Tower Hamlets CDA assisted in the development of the above co-op in conjunction with Dame Colet House community centre. A group of Bangladeshi women have come together to produce necklaces, bracelets and ear rings which are sold at community events and festivals. Contact Dame Colet House to see list of programmes Co-op members Nazma Khatun
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