Co-operatives UK

Co‑operatives UK is the voice for the UK’s thousands of independent co‑ops.

We support co‑ops to start up and thrive – join us to access expert advice, events and training. Find out what a co‑op actually is and how we can help.

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InFact Digital Co-op, which received start-up support from The Hive

Featured content

What is a co-op

Many of us have heard of co-ops, but do you actually know what one is? Spoiler alert: they are not just high street convenience stores, although those are the most well-known type of co-op.

As the network for the UK's thousands of co-operative businesses, we provide support in HR, culture, governance, finance, marketing, membership strategy and co-operative development. Browse our extensive library of online resources, blogs and…

Start a new co-op

Content by The Hive

This section takes you through the start-up process for setting up a co-op. Keep track of where you're up to, and look out for sign-posts if you need more support along the way. Finally make sure you use our quick and easy to use registration form…

Give a Little Something

As businesses and families are hit by the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, retail co-ops across the UK are working together to support food banks and campaign against food injustice. Find out how you can support and #GiveALittleSomething

More Than a Shop podcast episodes

Content by More than a Shop

The More Than a Shop podcast explores how people power and co-operation can tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society.

Understanding a maturing community shares market – new report

Content by Community Shares

Less than 10 years ago, community shares were almost unheard of. Yet since 2012, £155 million has been raised by 104,203 people supporting more than 440 vital businesses – an impressive 92% of which are still trading.

Latest news

Community groups with bright ideas for energy innovation to benefit from new peer support

Community energy groups across England will benefit from a new peer support programme to help develop new innovative business models.

3 days ago

Calls to remove obstacles to government backed loans for co-ops and social enterprise

Co-operatives UK, along with 10 other social enterprise support organisations have written to Minister John Glen (Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister) to request a meeting to discuss…

5 days ago

The Co‑operative Bank extends support of The Hive until the end of 2021

Content by The Hive

The Co‑operative Bank has announced it will invest an additional £400,000 in The Hive – a support programme for UK co‑operatives, delivered by Co‑operatives UK – backing UK co‑operatives until the end…

8 days ago

Ask Rishi Sunak to help save Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR)

Content by Community Shares

The next six weeks is crucial in an on-going campaign to save Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) for the success of future community share offers.

9 days ago

How many co-ops are there?

The UK’s 7,063 independent co-ops employ 241,714 people
Over 14 million members own and have a say in how the nation's co-ops operate
Co-ops contribute £38.2 billion to the UK economy
76% of co-op start-ups are still flourishing after the difficult first five years
Just 42% of new companies make it through to the end of year five

Find out more