About Us
Welcome to the About Us section of the site. This page contains information on the following aspects of Ouse and Cherwell:
| Who are Ouse and Cherwell | Structure | How the Group Works | Features & Benefits | Joining Procedure |
Who are Ouse and Cherwell Trading Company Ltd?
An expanding Farmers' Buying Co-operative located at Manor Road, Brackley, Northamptonshire. The group commenced activities in 1967 with the amalgamation of 'Ouse Valley Trading Company Ltd' and 'Cherwell Farmers'. Both groups
had 10 members initially. This has now expanded to over 200 members, these farmers sharing a Group turnover of £12 million.
This group is non profit making; any surpluses are used by the business or returned to the membership. We do not require total commitment from our members as it is appreciated that they may, on occasions, wish to retain established loyalties.
Most members are based in South Northamptonshire, North Oxfordshire, West Buckinghamshire and South Warwickshire, within a 40 mile radius of Brackley.
StructureA board consisting of eight farmer Directors, including the Chairman, along with the Company Secretary.
The Chairman is elected by the Directors.
Board members are elected by the membership and each serves a three year term.
The Office staff consists of two full-time employees,
two part-time employees and a director working full-time negotiating commodities.
How the Group WorksA statement is issued to members monthly, together with all original invoices and credit notes from the previous month's purchases. No levy is added to invoices by the Group - therefore the price members' pay is the negotiated price
There is a small subscription which is charged monthly.
Twice yearly members' meetings are held at which members are encouraged to discuss the Group's activities. Outside speakers are also invited as appropriate to keep members up to date with current farming topics.
A monthly newsletter, which accompanies the statement, gives details of the best buys, preferred suppliers, market trends and other relevant information to assist members with their farming businesses.
Members receive a regularly updated list of all Group suppliers, which include both local and national companies.
For certain commodities, extended payment dates are negotiated, especially where usage is seasonal.
Features and Benefits
| FEATURES |
BENEFITS |
|
| Purchase arrangements with both local and national companies |
No need to establish personal financial credibility. Able to pay on group terms.
|
|
| A monthly statement |
Only one cheque to be paid and therefore less bank charges.
Simple account administration |
|
| Members to exercise own buying decision |
Existing loyalties of trusts can be maintained, also no commitment to group buying decisions. |
|
| Monthly newsletter |
Regular fresh market information. Knowledge of Best Buys and cost effective inputs. |
|
| Office staff to administer all accounts |
Saves time |
|
Joining ProcedureThe Group is currently wishing to take more members. If you are interested in joining, please contact the Office, who will be pleased to arrange for the membership representative to meet you.
Group representative visits prospective member, discusses group actvities |
Farmer is invited to visit our office to meet the staff and have informal discussion |
New member receives notification of group number, suppliers lists etc. and is contacted regularly during the first few months of membership. Suppliers are notified of the new member |
