Lil Loop is a circular economy development project to help us change the system of resource use in East Lothian. Through providing information and collaborating with partners we aim to develop a connected community sharing resources and keeping value here in a greener, healthier economy.
Lil CIC is working with Edinburgh University and other partners to explore the potential of a mutual credit system to support Social Enterprises and build community wealth in East Lothian.
Mutual credit systems are a simple way for local businesses, organisations and groups to trade with each other without needing cash - when you do business with another locally owned organisation, you could offer or receive goods and services using mutual credits. This retains your cash reserves for expenses like salaries, utilities, taxes, and investing in your organisation. You could also use them to create value from surplus & waste materials, spare space, loaning out under-used equipment.
We are trying to understand the extent of local exchanges that are already happening among East Lothian’s social enterprises, circular economy organisations, and other locally owned small businesses.
You can get involved by filling out this short survey!
Or just drop me an email to sarah@dolilthings.org /give me a call on 07765 126700 and we can talk :-)
These systems keep value circulating locally, building our economy and preventing wealth from leaking away (often to big pockets). They have proven very useful in helping communities stay strong, especially when money is tight or difficult to get. The system facilitates local trade, encourages more efficient resource use and strengthens community cohesion.
Your help is crucial in shaping a system that could foster resilience and sustainability in our region – real systems change! By participating, you’ll be at the forefront of an innovative approach to community wealth building. Once we understand the viability of a credit network we can build it!
We have set up an FAQ here, which we will continue to expand, so please check it out and ask more questions 😊
This is an Edinburgh University research project led by Dr Juli Huang, Senior Lecturer at University of Edinburgh. You can contact Dr Juli at juli.huang@ed.ac.uk
THANK YOU!
List of organisations supporting the research so far:
Lil CIC
The Car & Van Rental Company
Mobo Media
The Mart
Fixing for a Future
Forge & Equip CIC
Naked Lunch
Volunteer Centre East Lothian
The Scottish Seabird Centre
Thrive East Lothian CIC
East Lothian Climate Hub
Lammermuir Community Transport
Sustaining Dunbar
Social Print and Copy
Lothian Printers
Lothian Community Transport Service (LCTS)
GETTHEPOINT
Jabberwocky Soft Play
theSpace Scotland
Ostrero Ltd
Crunchy Carrot
Borders Scrapstore (Musselburgh)
Dunbar Community Council
James Robertson Photography
East Lammermuir Community Council
Fife Contemporary
Dunbar & East Lothian Area Partnership (DELAP)
University of Edinburgh
Lothian Renewables
Genyops Ltd
Hilary Wardell Accountant
Business Gateway
East Lothian Antiquarians
WM Rose and Sons
The Ridge
Becci Bell
D & C Supplies
Print Vision
Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN)
East Lothian Saleground
Hallhill Dunbar
Rennie Meikle
Dunbar T-Shirt Shop
JR Dale and Sons
Pik n Choose
Amanda Farnese Heath
Bass Rock Financial Management
Phantasie Organic
Travis Perkins Haddington
Mellis Cheese
Screwfix Haddington
Carfrae Farm