About
About

The network for Britain’s thousands of co-operative businesses, Co-operatives UK works to promote, develop and unite member-owned business worth £36 billion to the British economy.

Overview
- About Co-operatives UK
  Learn more about our governance and strategy, read annual reports, and disover the latest career opportunities
- What is a co-operative?
  Co-operatives are driven by values and not just profit. Discover more about what makes co-ops so special
- Case studies
  Read a selection of case studies to discover why the co-op model works for all sorts of businesses and puts members in control
- The co-operative economy
  Discover the total turnover of the UK's co-operative sector and latest trends
- Contact Us
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Campaigns
& Policy
Promoting co-operatives

We bring co-operatives together to campaign on vital issues, raise awareness of co-operative businesses and help create a level playing field for the start-up and growth of co-operatives.

Overview
- Co-operatives Fortnight
  Once a year co-ops of all shapes and sizes come together to show the power of co-operation
- Influencing Policy
  Details on our role in campaigning for co-operative policy and getting members involved
- Fair Tax Mark
  Details on gaining Fair Tax Mark accreditation
- Brexit
  Our position and plans on how co-operatives can thrive in a post-Brexit Britain.
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Advice &
Training
Developing co-operatives

As the UK’s network for co-operatives, we help new-starts get off the ground, provide specialist advice for growing businesses and lead major programmes to develop the UK co-operative sector.

Overview
- Advice and support for your co-op
  Expert advice on everything from governance to HR. Discover how we can help develop your co-op
- The Hive
  Start or grow a co-operative/community enterprises using this new business support programme
- Register your co-op
  Use our expert advice and guidance to register your co-op society or company
- Grow your co-op
  Tips and tricks for making the most of your co-operative business
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Events
Uniting co-operatives

As the network for the UK’s co-operative businesses, we organise flagship national events and facilitate networks and workshops to enable co-operatives to connect, learn and do business with one another.

Overview
- Co-op Congress
  The co-operative sector’s annual conference, when members, directors, activists and CEOs from co‑ops large and small come together
- Events calendar
  Upcoming conferences, training events, networking opportunities and member group gatherings
- Training for co-ops
  Strengthen in key areas from governance and finance to marketing
- The Hive online community
  This is a place for new and existing co‑ops to ask questions, offer advice and discuss issues with peers
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Membership
Membership

As the network for Britain’s thousands of co-operative businesses, we provide our members with access to advice, training, networking and events.

Overview
- Benefits of membership
  Discover what membership can do for you and your co-op
- Membership packages
  Small or large, retail or agriculture, we've got a package to suit the full spectrum of co-ops
- Contact Package
  Your co-op can access the best support from some of the UK’s leading advisers on governance, finance, HR and membership.
- HR package
  High quality HR advice and support plus significant procurement savings are just some of the benefits
- Agricultural package
  Find out about our bespoke membership offer for farmer-controlled businesses
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Search

Search for a local co-op Browse the newsroom Downloadable resources
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Advice blogs and updates

Our Advice Team has supported co‑operatives with their governance, HR, finance and membership for more than 20 years. We'll be sharing blogs and key updates here.

If you'd like us to focus on a specific issue, contact us.

FCA: new portal, easier forms and no periodical fee

A blog by Dane Pollard | 1 month ago

Earlier this year there was a significant change to the way that Co‑operative and Community Benefit Societies can interact with the Financial Conduct...

GDPR: One year on

A blog by Linda Barlow | 1 month ago

It's been nearly a year since the General Data Protection Regulation was brought into force in the UK and Europe. Now's a good time to reflect on the...

Execution of documents refresher

A blog by admin | 1 month ago

Legally, the correct execution of documents is an important area. Incorrect execution can make a contract legally unenforceable. Often, people may...

Brexit update – the legal impacts of leaving the EU

A blog by admin | 1 month ago

While the road to Brexit is filled with twists and turns, one thing is for certain: our exit from the EU will affect everyone's legal position. While...

In focus: The Watford Printers Case

A blog by admin | 4 months ago

What happens if your co-op’s rules don’t cover how to distribute surplus assets if you decide to wind up the business? Read this blog by our lawyers...

Top tips for taking on commercial leases

A blog by | 4 months ago

You’ve managed to find suitable premises to rent. The next step is to negotiate the terms of the lease. Read a blog by our lawyers Anthony Collins...

Anti-bribery policies: a ‘must’ or a ‘should’?

A blog by admin | 4 months ago

Recent case law re-emphasises that all businesses must comply with anti-money laundering and anti-bribery requirements. Read a blog by our lawyers...

Facilitating tax evasion – a corporate and criminal offence

A blog by | 4 months ago

New legislation introduced in 2017 means that organisations (as well as individuals) can be found guilty of facilitating tax evasion. Find out more...

Ethics: co-operation for the common good

A blog by Linda Barlow | 7 months ago

In July, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) published a draft code of ethics for the charity sector, writes Co-operatives...

Chairing: How to handle different personalities

A blog by Linda Barlow | 7 months ago

One of the most important methods of holding a co-operative's Board to account is via general meetings, writes Co-operative Governance Adviser, Linda...

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Co-operatives UK Limited,
Holyoake House,
Hanover Street,
Manchester,
M60 0AS.

Registered in England as a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.
Reg No. 2783R
Vat Reg. 147 8611 47

About

Promoting co-operatives

Developing co-operatives

Uniting co-operatives

Membership

Advice products and services

Take your co-op to the next level

Advice blogs and updates

Our Advice Team has supported co‑operatives with their governance, HR, finance and membership for more than 20 years. We'll be sharing blogs and key updates here.

FCA: new portal, easier forms and no periodical fee

GDPR: One year on

Execution of documents refresher

Brexit update – the legal impacts of leaving the EU

In focus: The Watford Printers Case

Top tips for taking on commercial leases

Anti-bribery policies: a ‘must’ or a ‘should’?

Facilitating tax evasion – a corporate and criminal offence

Ethics: co-operation for the common good

Chairing: How to handle different personalities

Pages

The Co-operative College: Effective Communication - Manchester

The Co-operative College: Work With Conflict - Manchester

The Co-operative College: Exploring International Co-operative Development - Manchester

About

Promoting co-operatives

Developing co-operatives

Uniting co-operatives

Membership

You are here

Advice products and services

Take your co-op to the next level

Advice blogs and updates

Our Advice Team has supported co‑operatives with their governance, HR, finance and membership for more than 20 years. We'll be sharing blogs and key updates here.

FCA: new portal, easier forms and no periodical fee

GDPR: One year on

Execution of documents refresher

Brexit update – the legal impacts of leaving the EU

In focus: The Watford Printers Case

Top tips for taking on commercial leases

Anti-bribery policies: a ‘must’ or a ‘should’?

Facilitating tax evasion – a corporate and criminal offence

Ethics: co-operation for the common good

Chairing: How to handle different personalities

Pages

The Co-operative College: Effective Communication - Manchester

The Co-operative College: Work With Conflict - Manchester

The Co-operative College: Exploring International Co-operative Development - Manchester