Case studies
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On the front foot through challenging times: October Books
Content by Business support for co-ops
In January 2020, October Books, a worker-owned and run community bookshop in Southampton, was on the verge of taking great new strides.
3 years 9 months
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Making Manchester’s The Meteor “bigger, better and more influential”
Content by Business support for co-ops
The Meteor is an independent, community‑based media outlet that’s been providing news, features and commentary to the people of Manchester since 2016. In July 2019, it became a co‑op.
4 years 2 months
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Farmers stand united through co‑operation: Aspatria Farmers
The UK’s farmers must stand united to combat the threat of multi-national corporations in the food supply chain, says Tim Wilson, CEO of Aspatria Farmers.
4 years 7 months
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A co-op with people power that keeps a proud heritage alive: Norwich Mustard
Content by Co-op Fortnight
Norwich Mustard co-op is proof that when an industry that’s been synonymous with a city for centuries is suddenly shut down by a large multinational – there’s a way for individuals to take control and…
4 years 9 months
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Reviving derelict buildings to bring hope to communities: Nudge Community Builders
Content by Co-op Fortnight
Nudge Community Builders in Plymouth is flying the flag for Co-op Fortnight (24 June to 7 July 2019) by leading a group of volunteers to mend and clean a much-loved community space at Union Corner the…
4 years 10 months
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Projekts MCR – a skatepark changing lives in Manchester
Content by Business support for co-ops
Projekts MCR is a skatepark based in Manchester city centre. It recently received support from The Hive – the support programme for co-ops delivered by Co‑operatives UK in partnership with The…
5 years 4 months
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Openfield, the UK’s only national farming grain co‑operative
For 400 years the Casswell family has farmed land in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. But without farmer-owned co-operatives the prospect of future generations continuing those farming traditions would be…
5 years 8 months
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“Work that feels meaningful” – South East London Community Energy co‑op
Content by Business support for co-ops
Tea, coffee, cake and energy advice. Over 1,300 operational solar panels. Access to energy saving gizmos, insulation and grants. Put simply, this is how South East London Community Energy (SELCE)…
5 years 8 months
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“A great sense of community” – October Books
Content by Business support for co-ops
From constrained to creative. From frustrated to fulfilled. From boredom to belonging. That’s the difference being part of the October Books co-op has made to Jessica Haynes.
5 years 8 months
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The world’s first community-owned distillery: Glenwyvis Distillery
Content by Business support for co-ops
The GlenWyvis Distillery is a whisky producing co-op in the Scottish Highlands. It was born of an idea to create sustainable local wealth from a traditional local craft.
6 years 1 month
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Neighbouring community-owned energy co-ops benefit from peer mentoring
Content by Business support for co-ops
The Hive’s peer mentoring scheme has supported two neighbouring community-owned energy co-ops in South East London.
6 years 3 months
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Bouncers are clubbing together in Newcastle
Content by Business support for co-ops
Working on the door of a pub or club isn’t easy. Dealing with aggressive confrontation, people fuelled by alcohol. And often, the training and support for door staff is inadequate.
6 years 8 months
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Owned by people who love, live and breathe The Bell Inn
Content by Community Shares
The Bell’s future was in doubt in late 2012, when the previous owner put the property and business on the market. Two packed public meetings helped create the momentum which has now seen the pub…
12 years 3 months
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FC United of Manchester – a community owned football club
Content by Community Shares
FC United of Manchester is a co-operatively owned football club, launched in 2005 by the fans in order to provide affordable football for all.
16 years 3 months