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-operative Retail Conference
  The only annual conference designed specifically for for co-operative retail societies
- 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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Co-operatives UK Staff

Here is a list of the current staff members, and their role at Co-operatives UK.
To contact Co-operatives UK use the online form or call our switchboard on 0161 214 1750.

Petra Morris

Co-operative Development Manager

Co-operative Advice

Linda Barlow

Co-operative Governance Advisor

Kate Fielding

HR Reward and Policy Manager

Tim Knowles

Head of HR Services

Emma Laycock

Head of Co-operative Advice

Dane Pollard

Co-operative Governance Support Adviser

Communications and Marketing

Wendy Carter

Head of Communications and Marketing

Dominic Mills

Communications and Marketing Officer

Leila O'Sullivan

Campaigns and Content Officer

James Wright

Policy Officer

Development Unit

Simon Borkin

Programme Development Lead

James de le Vingne

Head of Development Unit

Bethan Hunt

Project Co-ordinator

Jess Thomas

Project Manager

Alice Wharton

CSU Programme Manager

Digital

Adam Bhaloda

IT Analyst/Developer

Joe Harrison

Data Analyst

Paul Murphy

Head of Digital

Michelle Parkin-Kelly

Research Officer

Facilities

Sarah Aldridge

Receptionist

Kika Strong

Facilities Manager

Finance

Toseef Akram

Finance Officer

Michael Shepherd

Head of Finance

Lesley Taylor

Finance Support Officer

Membership and Events

John Atherton

Head of Membership

Leoni Merrifield

Events Coordinator

Richard Self

Agricultural Manager

Gareth Wright

Member Relations

Secretary General and Secretary

Zena King

Society Secretary

Ed Mayo

Secretary General

Meenaz Rashid

Business Support Officer

About

Promoting co-operatives

Developing co-operatives

Uniting co-operatives

Membership