Discover co-ops webinar: Workers unite! (Worker co-ops)

Are you based in West Yorkshire and looking for a fairer, more democratic way to start or run a business? Sign up for this FREE online workshop and learn how co‑ops can help your working life thrive. 

Join us for an enlightening, inspiring 90‑minutes delivered by Co‑operatives UK in partnership with Business for Good West Yorkshire (BfGWY), which is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

What’s the webinar about? 

Worker co-ops give people control over their work, better job security and a fair share of profits. West Yorkshire is home to inspiring worker-owned businesses in tech, design, social care, bread-making, outdoor adventure and more. This webinar will introduce worker co‑ops, explain how they operate and what their benefits are. 

Who is it for? 

• Freelancers seeking stability while keeping autonomy
• Existing businesses considering succession through employee buyout
• Anyone keen to learn how worker co-ops improve pay, culture and long-term resilience 

What we’ll cover 

• How worker co-ops operate day-to-day
• Why worker ownership creates better jobs
• Lived experiences from local worker co-ops
• Practical routes to forming or converting to a co-op
• How to take the next steps and access expert support  

Presenter and speakers

Petra Morris will be presenting the session. She is Co‑op Development Manager at Co‑operatives UK and manages the Business Support for Co‑ops programme, which has supported thousands of co‑ops and is delivered in partnership with The Co‑operative Bank. Petra also has lived experience as a co‑operative Board member. 

Jim Wild is a Director for Leeds Environmental Design Associates Limited (LEDA), a worker co‑op of designers, architects and engineers dedicated to creating great, sustainable buildings that respect the environment and are a joy to use. With a flat, non‑hierarchical structure, LEDA’s worker members have an equal say, feel valued and enjoy a more fulfilling working life. 

Amani Talheth-Fell, Co-Founder at Leeds Community Sauna, a worker co‑operative that puts people before profit. The organisation provides a community‑oriented, affordable sauna space for peace, health, and connection. Their aim is to make the benefits of saunas available to all kinds of people from all walks of life – with a sauna that exists for the benefit of those who use it and those who run it.

Recording the webinar

This webinar will be recorded. We will share the recording with participants shortly afterwards. If you cannot attend this one, sign up for Co-operatives UK newsletters to be kept up to date with future webinars. Alternatively, visit our step by step: start a co-op tool, our Discover Co‑ops page featuring previous introductory webinars, or read about the business support available to start-up co-ops.

Reserve your place via the booking link below.