Co-operatives UK launches second phase of online support

With co-operative businesses continuing to thrive despite the current economic climate, Co-operatives UK - the national trade association for co-operatives - has today launched the second phase of its online support service for co-operatives.

The ‘grow a co-operative’ service will provide assistance and support to co-operative businesses looking to develop and expand, with advice on how to access finance, recruit more members, launch new products or take current activities up to the next level.

The second phase follows on from the launch of the online support service for start-up co-operatives in April, with the final phase, focusing on providing business advisers with the support they need when working with co-operatives, due to launch in June.

The ‘grow a co-operative’ online support service will include:

• Specialist financial advice;
• Clear links to co-operative and community financial advisers;

• Case studies and examples of how other successful and expanding co-operatives work;
• Online films showcasing successful and growing co-operatives;
• Links to relevant resources and publications.

Commenting on the launch of the second phase of the new online support service, Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: "Co-operative businesses as a whole have been outperforming the economy, growing by 21% since the start of the credit crunch in 2008, reflecting a turn to more trusted businesses following the financial crisis of the last few years.

"With the co-operative way of doing business enjoying such a renaissance, the next stage of our new online support service will help people to develop their ideas and access the advice they need to build and develop sustainable co-operative businesses."

The online support service launches as part of the International Year of Co-operatives 2012 - a unique opportunity for co-operative businesses and their members and supporters to come together as a global movement to promote how co-operatives build a better world.

To access the new online support service for growing co-operatives, please visit

www.uk.coop/grow