A unique food store creating 47 new jobs opened in the borough today, with the Mayor of Dudley in attendance for the ribbon-cutting.

Company Shop Dudley opened at 9.30am this morning. People on the Covid front line and struggling families will be able to get top brand food and goods at around half price at the store on Castle Mill, Birmingham New Road.

Key workers, school and council workers and families on benefits can become members and shop at bargain prices. Dudley North MP, Marco Longhi, said: 

"I met with the management team back in the summer to get a better understanding of their business and the tremendous community work they do.

"It is great to see such a large investment in Dudley which is creating new jobs, despite the pandemic. I think the Company Shop business model is clever and really is environmentalism in-action. Without them so much of this food would have gone to waste.  

"It is also great for key workers, amongst others who will be able to benefit for discounts. I have promised to keep in touch with the management, so Dudley can also benefit from the community element with focuses on up skilling local people, including providing training."

Membership is free and open to almost all key workers, including those working in the NHS, social care, emergency services, British Army and prison services, and - temporarily - those working in schools and councils, among others. The firm has also extended membership to those in receipt of means tested benefits, including families with children receiving free school meals.

Company Shop work on the basis of avoiding waste by taking surplus food and goods from other stores and selling it at an average of half price. It means bargains on top brands such as Marks and Spencer, Nestlé, Iceland and Tesco.

None of the food is past its sell-by date, and the company says there are many reasons why goods become surplus, including overstocking and incorrect or ‘wonky’ labelling and seasonal packaging. Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, said:

"I was delighted to be able to attend the official opening of Company Shop, a fantastic supermarket which is going to be a very welcome addition to our borough.

"I believe around 8,000 people have already signed up to be members. Innovative shops like this have become even more important with people struggling during the pandemic, and it will benefit a lot of people in the borough.

"I would encourage people who are eligible – including our own staff - to get signed up and go and have a look at the great offers."

Eligible individuals and families can sign up for a free membership at companyshopgroup.co.uk.