proposals have to be turned down. GDW Süd offers support during lease negotiations and in fitting the shop out. Start-up The crucial event in each shop's life is opening day. It is absolutely imperative to start out on the right foot, as it is within the first two weeks that future customers will make their first visit and decide whether they will return regularly. It is a byword in retailing that the first week's turnover determines future turnover. GDW Süd therefore gives each new shop particularly strong support in the opening period. It drafts in additional staff to make sure the atmosphere is good and the service is up to scratch. It applies the many 'tips of the trade' that it knows; for instance, giving away alcoholic drinks at the opening can backfire. Training and organisational development GDW Süd helps licensees to recruit staff, and organises training in various aspects of retailing: dealing with food, ordering, cash handling, operating the computer system, quality assurance etc. By contrast the licensees already possess the necessary skills related to integration As regards organisational development, a meeting is held every year of all shops. Regional meetings take place monthly. Less formally, telephone support is available from shop to shop. Quality assurance is an important aspect of the licence, and the central staff make regular visits. To preserve the reputation of the group as a whole, they are authorised by the agreement to issue instructions for shop managers should this be necessary. References CAP Markets web site: http://www.cap-markt.de Unser Konzept - Ihr Erfolg leaflet A Better Future. Results of the Network for Better Future of Social Economy, Ministry of Regional Development, Poland, 2012 Rural Depopulation and Public Service Provision in Germany, A L Dremel, 2013 The CAP Markets were researched as part of the EU's EQUAL Community Initiative combating inequality and discrimination in the labour market. See the EQUAL website at: Social enterprises Retail companies established in 1999 1999 establishments in Germany