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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.
Glad Rags is a co-operative selling pre-loved clothing and provides employment opportunities in the community
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Benefits of membership
We exist to meet our member needs, we’ve been supporting organisations like yours for 150 years. Find out how to become a member.
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…
Contact package
Our contact package provides access to the best support from leading advisers on co-op governance, finance, HR and membership.
Start a new co‑op
Looking to start a co‑op? Here you can access a step by step guide to starting a co‑op and register your co‑op with our online registration tool. You can apply for business support to get your new start-up off the ground in the best way possible. And…
Guide to co-ops
Read our handy guide, which explains in simple terms what a co‑op is (and why they're so great).
Latest news
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Co-op Retail Conference 2023: Reflecting on an inspiring weekend of learning and making connections
Content by Co-op Retail Conference
The 2023 Co-op Retail Conference – provided a fantastic learning, development and networking opportunity, examining some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the sector. A big thank you…
2 days ago
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Our response to Spring Budget 2023
From a co-operative perspective, the week’s Budget included vital support for community organisations struggling with high energy bills. But we are struck by the missed opportunities to try something…
13 days ago
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Beyond the Music: first tickets on sale as new global music conference and festival launches
First details of live music and conference announced, including co-operative membership plans, artist discovery programme and epic rooftop gig series.
17 days ago
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Co-operatives UK lobbies government to offer tax relief on worker buyouts
The trade body for co-operatives is calling for worker co-op buyouts to enjoy the same tax breaks as employee ownership trust (EOT) buyouts.
21 days ago
How many co-ops are there?
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- The UK’s 7,237 independent co-ops employ 250,128 people
- Co-ops contribute £39.7 billion to the UK economy
- There are nearly 14 million memberships of co-ops. The members own and have a say in how the nation's co-ops operate
- Co-ops proved four times less likely to cease trading during 2020
- The UK co-op sector grew by £1.1 billion in 2020, despite the pandemic
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