This history of
Kennington Office Cleaners Co-operative (and the cake) was produced for
the 20th birthday celebrations in 1998. Now, sadly, the
BRIEF HISTORY OF KOCC
In 1976 at the Lady Margaret Settlement, a mother and toddlers group of hard working mums met for their usual tea and chat.
Some of the main topics which were discussed where the poor conditions and low wages which were encountered when working in the cleaning industry.
They had only one option but to go into a business were exploitation would be avoided.
With the help of the Lady Margaret Settlement, an investigation began to look at the possibility of setting up a workers Co-operative.
In 1978, a proud group of seven women formed KOCC Kennington Office Cleaners Co-op LTD. The company began trading from one of the member's home.
They received their first contract which provided work for five members of the group. They also received a grant of £1000 from Lambeth council to purchase the first set of vacuum cleaners and other cleaning materials.
KOCC has strived since and has gained more contracts due to its good Co-operative policy which is still going on to date.
In 1990 the company gained its first office in the Lambeth Cooperative Development agency which KOCC helped to form.
In 1997 they took on their first trainee office administrator who assisted them on the development of their brochure, promotion and marketing. From June to December 1997 they have received three new contracts and look forward to 1998 which will be KOCC's 20th year trading as a workers Co-operative.
Reprinted without editing from original document.
14 Mar 2001