Ambitious recommendations for unlocking co-operative growth in Scotland announced

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Published
2nd September 2024
Last updated
4th October 2024
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Greencity Wholefoods
Greencity Wholefoods is a worker-owned co-operative for ethically sourced food and drink based in Glasgow

This week, two big opportunities launch to celebrate unlocking the potential of co-operatives, employee owned businesses and social enterprise in Scotland with the publication of a new report and the launch of new award.

New report recommends ways to unlock potential for Scottish co-operatives

An independent review for Scottish Government has published ambitious recommendations for unlocking the potential of co-operatives, employee owned businesses and social enterprise in Scotland.

Co-operatives UK is urging Scottish Government to implement these recommendations in full. In refocusing its economic development activities to enable these businesses, government can ensure finite public resources are used to build the more productive, resilient, low-carbon and high-wellbeing economy Scotland needs.

We have used our position on the review panel to champion the views and insights of our Scottish members, so that the recommendations reflect their needs and aspirations.

Among the 17 recommendations, we particularly highlight:

  • Resourcing and coordination of an effective support ecosystem for inclusive and democratic businesses, with more co-production and co-delivery with these sectors
  • Tasking the Scottish National Investment Bank with supporting investment in inclusive and democratic businesses
  • More outreach, awareness raising and early-stage development, to ensure co-operative options are explored at critical junctures, including in marginalised communities
  • Increasing education on co-operatives and other inclusive and democratic businesses
  • A new statutory duty on Scottish Government and its agencies to support the growth of co-operatives and other inclusive and democratic businesses
  • Extending the Community Right to Buy to include worker-led acquisitions of at-risk assets

Take action: Contact your MSP

We need a collective effort from the co-operative movement to convince Scottish government to implement these recommendations. Co-operatives UK is asking its Scottish members to write to their Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), calling on them to champion these recommendations in Parliament. Download the template and find contact details of your MSP.

Read the report in full

The report can be access via the Scottish government's website.

New award launched to celebrate Scottish co-operatives

In the same week, in immediate response to the report recommendations, Social Enterprise Scotland has announced a new award to champion the impact of inclusive economic practices. 

Sponsored by Co-operatives UK and the Employee Ownership Association (eoa), the IDBM Impact Award aims to celebrate businesses that embody Inclusive and Democratic Business Models (IDBMs), recognising those that prioritise social value, sustainability, fair work, and community benefits. 

The IDBM Social Impact Award will be presented at a ceremony on 7 November – as part of the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland – to a business that has driven exceptional impact for the communities they serve and/or environmentally over the past year.

Two men are smiling at the camera and holding an award at an event. The man on the right is holding the award, and both are dressed in business casual attire. On the right side of the image, there is a dark, glittery section with the logo for the "Social Enterprise Awards Scotland" at the top. Below the logo, the text reads: "Showcase your achievements Enter the new IDBM Impact Award before 10am on Monday 7 October"
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Today, we are pleased to announce that we are immediately implementing one of the key recommendations from this report: to widen the scope of existing business awards to include all forms of Inclusive and Democratic Business Models.
– Kim Wallace, Deputy CEO at Social Enterprise Scotland

"By integrating IDBMs into these awards, we not only increase visibility but also support the promotion and growth of these vital enterprises. This initiative is a significant step forward in mainstreaming IDBMs into Scotland's broader business landscape, and we are excited to lead the way in implementing it. With thanks to our partners and sponsors Co-operatives UK and eoa."

Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland said: “At Social Enterprise Scotland we recognise the power of IDBMs to transform our economy, distribute wealth, support communities and be purposeful in ways that serve people, place and the environment. 

"This new IDBM Impact Award is more than just a recognition of success; it is a celebration of the innovative approach that is shaping the future of business in Scotland. We look forward to learning about your achievements and the ways in which your business is setting a standard for others to follow."

Apply for the IDBM Social Impact Award

More information on how to apply is available at socialenterprise.scot/awards. Applications close at 10am on Monday 7 October.

The winner will be announced at an evening ceremony hosted at the Scottish Parliament by Paul Sweeney MSP for Glasgow (Region) on Thursday 7 November.

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