Doing business the co-operative way.

Working in partnership with Co-operatives SW this session of Co-operatives 2010 will focus on topics of interest to those working in or with small and medium sized co-operatives.

10.00 – 10.30 - Registration

10.30 – 11.30 - Welcome and open plenary
Peter Couchman, Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation will open the day discussing the increasing variety in co-operative forms; from shops to pubs and even fictional.

11.00 - 12.00 - Marketing our co-operative identity:
How can you take advantage of the growing public interest in the co operative business model? Do we need a co-operative mark? (Jim Pettipher, Co-operative Futures & Ed Russell, Co-operative Web)

12.00 - 13.00 - Principle 6, Business networking session:
How can we use each others business networks to grow and develop the co-operative economy. (Sion Whellens, Calverts)

13.00 – 13.45 - Lunch

13.45 – 14.45 - From conflict to co-operation:
Using an international perspective this session will look at five different approaches to conflict resolution to within your co-operative (Kate Whittle, Somerset Co-operative Services)

14.45 – 15.15 - Question Time:
Ask a panel of experianced co-operators your burning questions about running a co-operative.

15.15 – 16.00 - Open surgeries:
a. Increasing membership and improving participation (tbc)
b. Personnel Issues and engaging worker members (Bob Cannell, Suma)
c. Constitutional issues and Directors responsibilities (Co-operativesUK Legal Team)
d. Use of social media and new technologies (Software.coop)
e. Space for topics suggested on the day

There will also by a chance to learn more about some showcased co-operatives on a Co-operatives SW stand.

16.00 – 16.15 - Break

16.15 – 17.00 - Closing session:
Introduction to Co-op Enterprise Hub and early success stories.
Closing remarks by Brian Titley chair of Co-operativesSW.

Cost
£75 + VAT
£25 + VAT 45 places (Any small co-operative eligible, with priority given to co-operatives based in the SW & subject to confirmation)

This reduced rate has been made possible by a generous donation from the Co-operative Membership SW

To Book click here.