giles.simon's blog

The President of the International Co-operative Alliance, Dame Pauline Green, and Cecile Riverain, the Head of International Research at leading retail analysts IGD, have been announced as the latest speakers at Co-operatives UK’s annual retail conference.

2012 was a momentous year. Co-operatives around the world came together under a common message and logo – perhaps for the first time – to showcase how they build a better world. 2013 is, for Co-operatives UK, set to be a focused year of campaigning and support.

The Co-operative Group hails great deal that would mark the biggest shake-up in high street banking in a generation.

The Board of The Co-operative Group has agreed to proceed on the basis of non-binding heads of terms with Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) in relation to the acquisition of the “Verde” business. The move by The Co-operative Group would create a real challenger bank on the High Street with almost 1,000 branches.

This year over 500, 000 people have already moved their money to an ethical bank. With widespread concerns about the banking system, credit union and co-operative and mutual banks and credit unions are thriving.

Co-operate is the first mobile app to make it east for people to find co-operatives for all their needs, wherever they are in the UK.

You can search for local and online ethical providers offering a wide range of products and services – from food to phones, electricity to banking.

With over 11,000 co-operatives and mutual outlets on the app, from across the UK and in all parts of the economy, Co-operate will surprise and inspire people to move their money to better businesses. By down loading Co-operate you can download a better world on to your mobile.

Co-operative Energy is a new national energy provider, established in 2010, with just one tariff and owned by its customers. You can't say fairer than that. We talk to Ben Reid, Chief Executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, who has set up Co-operative Energy.

The United Nations has designated 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives. It is a unique opportunity to lift the lid on some of one of the world’s biggest secrets.

You won't just find co-operatives and ethics, but football, Fairtrade, and food at Co-operatives United, an inspiring global festival of events and exhibitions set in Manchester to mark the close of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives.

There are over 5,000 independent co-operative businesses across the country, all owned and run by their members.

Whilst the economy as a whole lunges from cuts to crisis, co-operatives are enjoying a renaissance having grown by 21% since the start of the credit crunch in 2008.

The first of May is known around the world as International Workers’ Day.

Our figures show that the lack of engagement amongst the UK workforce cost British business a staggering £93 million a day.