Case studies

"We know of a deaf man who was in hospital for 21 days without any interpreting support. Global agencies often provide poor sign language services in favour of profit," explains Jen Smith on why…

The UK’s flagship worker co-op, Suma was founded 40 years ago when seven people formed a wholefood wholesaler in West Yorkshire.

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.

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…

The Wine Society has been selling quality wines at affordable prices since 1874. “We’re one of the original Victorian co-ops,” says Public Relations Manager Ewan Murray.

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…

As a new start‑up business, filmmakers Blake House Cooperative applied to The Hive to access an experienced peer mentor to help them with a range of areas, from business development to client…

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…

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…

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)…

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.

From different locations across the UK a small number of analysts and IT professionals discuss their work to help tackle corruption and tax evasion - to create transparency around the awarding of…

Working for Outlandish – a thriving digital agency and worker co-op – and then becoming a member, has made a massive difference to Amil Vasishtha. 

Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP) is a co-op that makes a difference to families, communities and organisations. Using ‘restorative’ training and consultancy, they work with groups to…

OrganicLea is a small workers’ co-operative growing food on London’s edge in the Lea Valley.

When the owner of the The Natural Foodstore in Diss, Norfolk, announced her plans to retire after over 25 years, workers at the store decided to take action...