What if some businesses were to do things differently? Rather than accept that the responsibility of business was to return a profit to shareholders, what if it made other people the central focus and, instead, invested in the local community and social objectives?

Just changing the way business is done, if only by a few companies, can change the flow of wealth, ease and eliminate poverty, and leave us all with something better to worry about. Basic human needs such as food and shelter are fundamental human rights; there are more than enough resources available to go around – if we can just figure out how to share. It cannot be: "Me first, mine first," rather, "Me, too" is more the order of the day.

From a thesis written in 1996, this approach, first tested by the US government in Russia, is now better known as a community interest company.

The original was known as 'People-centered economic development' and the objective was to create a local environment in which people would flourish and grow. It arrived in Parkend five years ago to begin plans for sustainable local development.

One of these in 2009, was a bid for BBC Village SOS based around the abandoned shop in Folly Road. We put the case to the council that without council tax revenue it was an economic burden to the Forest as a whole.

What was suggested was a business in which local people and their needs would be served by creating employment. A cafe, extending the functionality of the Memorial Hall and perhaps  local craft activities. One resident was interest in setting up pottery classes, another in photography classes. The business as a whole would focus on helping others find work and create small business and promote the use of local renewable energy resources.

It could still be done, with collaboration.

– Name and address supplied.