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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.
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.
Support for your 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 if you need more support along the way. Finally make sure you use our quick and easy to use registration…
Content by The Hive
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.
Content by More than a Shop
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.
Content by Community Shares
Latest news
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Retail co-ops join together to combat food injustice
Retail societies including some of the largest high street co-ops across the UK, today (30 November 2020) launched a collective campaign to support local food banks and combat food injustice.
38 minutes ago
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Our analysis of the Spending Review 2020
The extent to which new funding announced in the 2020 Spending Review ends up boosting co-op development, largely depends on how much freedom local leaders and communities will have to direct…
10 hours ago
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Co-ops urged to access Covid-19 grants, advice and support
As co-ops across UK enter tougher and potentially perilous conditions, we urge them to take steps to manage risks and be proactive in seeking grant aid and advice.
20 days ago
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The future of business? As high street giants fall, community shares help businesses thrive
Content by Community Shares
A new report from Co-operatives UK, published today, reveals that community ownership is helping to create a new generation of businesses that are better equipped to withstand the Covid-19 crisis.
30 days ago
How many co-ops are there?
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- 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
Programmes to support your co-op
The Hive
Support for new co-ops, with advice, training and mentoring
Community Shares
For community owned organisations looking to raise funds through community shares
UnFound
For tech founders and start ups looking for a different way to run digital platforms
The Ownership Hub
Developing a fairer and more resilient regional economy by supporting more worker and employee ownership