Footprint

James and Claire

They specialise in zines but do other things too such as web design.
Workers co-op = they run the place in the way they want.
Footprint is made up of 5 people, there's no boss, they all have big responsibilities which they share with each other.
Everyone gets paid and equal wage and gets an equal say in things.
Everyone works part time and work on their own projects outside of footprint and are able to take time off as and when they need it.
They have many repeat customers because they're so good at what they do.
Their profits go on: wages, machinery and charity. For every hour they work, 50p is donated to charity. Most co-ops donate money to charity.

Footprint started in 2000 when they inherited a litho press, Kath one of the founders went to college in order to learn how to work the press.
They set up in the basement of a housing co-op and are still working from there now.
After attending a printing fair they found out about risograph printing which is a very grainy print
They decided to go down this route of printing, starting out with a 1 drum printer meaning they had to line every colour up perfectly. Only in the past 2 years that they have got a two drum printer.
They do work for other co-ops such as Leeds bread co-op, Leeds print co-op.
They also do a lot of work for bands and festivals.
Another things that they do is attending print fairs and zine fairs.
If they print something they like they arrange with the client to keep 10 or so zines for themselves which they then sell at these fairs to earn a bit of extra money.
They also run a zine in a day workshop at fairs.


Questions:
the difference between a co-op and a collective; a co-op is more structured and it an investment into a company. Everyone is a shareholder, the government actually approves it as a business unlike with a collective. It gives more security in terms of wage and supplies.
are you involved in any activism? yes they're still heavily involved in campaigns such as undercover policing, fracking, the film festival- if theres on offensive film they won't show it. If something comes up that they have been asked to print that is homophobic, sexist, racist .. then they refuse to print it.
The ink used is soya based which is better for the environment than toner, all their paper is 100% recycled. They don't ship their prints anywhere overseas to cut down air miles. They stick to their roots- they started for environmental reasons therefore keep this up.
Why do you work with other co-ops: they follow the 7 co-op principles, one of which is working with other co-ops therefore they make sure they stick to this. Where possible they go to other co-ops to collaborate with. They are in a network with co-ops, they meet up for chats and discussions throughout the year across the country for help and advice.


contacting:
the best way is through email- don't just get one thing printed. Larger amounts of prints are cheaper. A3 printing is the max size.