Home
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
Featured content
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
Image
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…
5 days ago
Image
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.
8 days ago
Image
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.
12 days ago
Image
Advocacy for worker co-ops: Co-operatives UK submission to Treasury
Co-operatives UK policy team has submitted a representation ahead of the Spring Budget.
1 month ago
How many co-ops are there?
Image
- 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