Meet the co-operatives

Rachel, Co-op Group

"Where I shop, I can make a difference to the things that I care about."

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, owned by more than six million members. Anyone who shops in a Co-op, or buys its services can join. As a member-owner, you have a say in how the business is run. Rachel was elected to Co-op Group's National Members Council to represent members in her region. The Council ensures the Co-op does right by its members, from the safety of shop workers to Fairtrade, animal welfare, cutting plastic waste to working with local communities.

Ash, Greencity Wholefoods 

"Here at Greencity, because we are owned by the workers we don’t have a boss. We work as a team. I actually want to be here."

Ash works for Glasgow-based worker co-operative, Greencity Wholefoods. It is an ethical wholesaler and supplier to trade in organic, vegan, free-from, Fairtrade food & drink and professional eco-friendly cleaning products. It operates as a worker co-operative, democratically run by its 50+ members, which means they all have a say – and a vote – in how they conduct business.

Mat, FC United of Manchester

"In my football club, I get a say on ticket prices my club is a co-op, owned and run by the fans. We set the prices."

Mat is an owner member of fan-owned FC United of Manchester. The club was formed in 2005 by fans who wanted a supporter-owned alternative to traditional football clubs. F.C. United is one of the largest fan-owned football clubs in the UK. Members can vote on how the club is run, including voting for board members, kit designs, and season ticket prices.

Cameron, West Granton Housing Co-operative. 

"Where I live, I get a say on what my housing is like." 

Cameron is a resident and sits on the board of West Granton Housing Co-operative Limited (WGHC). It was formed in 1990 by residents of the West Granton area of north Edinburgh in order to provide new rented housing in an area dominated by low demand council housing. It has over 350 properties in total.

Credits

'Co-operatives: Owned by our Members' is from Co-operatives UK and was produced by Media Co-op thanks to grant funding from The Co-operative Bank. We're also grateful to the Co-operative College, Co-operative Heritage Trust and Co-op News for their role in the development of the film.

The following co-operatives and organisations were either featured or provided footage for inclusion in the film:

Animorph Co-operative, Blakehouse Productions, Birmingham Student Housing Co-operative, Bristol Bike Project, The Bristol Cable, Bristol Co-operative Gym, Bristol Wood Recycling Project, Cafe Kino, Calverts, Ceramics Studio Co-op, Central Co-op, Co-op Group, Co-operative Heritage Trust, Developer Society, Dance Co-operative Birmingham, Delta-T Devices, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative, Enabled Works, FC United of Manchester, First Milk, Fox and Goose, Glad Rags Co-operative, Glenwyvis Distillery, Glue Collective, Greencity Wholefoods, Graig Fatha Co-op, Hara Rice Co-operative, Hebden Bridge Trades Club, Kirk Hill Co-op, Leeds Bread Co-op, Leeds Environmental Design Associates, Midcounties Co-operative, MONDRAGON Corporation, Mulatho Tea Co-op Union, Muzu Coffee Planters Co-op Union, Organiclea, Outlandish Co-operative, Projekts MCR, Scotmid Co-operative, Signalise Co-op, Student Co-op Homes, Unicorn Grocery, Valley Organics, West Granton Housing Co-operative, The Wine Society.

The film is narrated by broadcaster and TV producer Karen Gabay.