As a workers co-op, it is controlled democratically by its members/owners, who run the business with a flat management structure and with an equal rate of pay.

Unicorn is closely connected to local sister company Glebelands City Growers in Sale and owns 21 acres (8.5 ha) of peri-urban growing land at Glazebury, Cheshire.

It sells fresh, dried and processed food and drink, much of it organic and with a focus on local and Fairtrade sourcing, as well as household, bodycare and general grocery items.

Keeping prices in line with the supermarkets, Unicorn is one of the largest independent wholefood groceries in the UK and has an annual turnover of around £7 million.

The idea to set up a similar company in Manchester came about in 1994, based on the experiences of Adam York, who had worked in the Northampton shop.

The business occupies a 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) site (including large storage and office space), has a turnover of around £7 million, and employs around 65 co-op members plus casual staff.