Interpreting Community-Based Enterprise: A Case Study from Rural Wales

The research discussed in this paper analyses a successful community-based enterprise (CBE) project located in a Welsh market town by means of a qualitative case study. The primary aim of the research was to explore the enterprise creation process and, as a structuring device, it makes use of a conceptual framework for the creation of CBEs drawn from the academic literature. In addition to generating a number of insights into the origins, key attributes and development of CBEs, the paper also evaluates the applicability of the framework to the UK context. An extensive analysis from a community-centred perspective revealed a complex blend of ‘individual’ versus ‘community’ actions in the foundation and development of the CBE. While a few actors were identifiable as the primary drivers of the project as its venture champions, there was a relatively high level of participation by the broader community as shareholders, volunteers and users, justifying the ‘community’ descriptor. A number of limitations are revealed in the applicability of the initial conceptual framework, which originated from research in developing economies. It is therefore concluded that further work is needed in different socio-economic and geographical contexts to develop a robust understanding of CBEs.