'Co-operatives: Owned by our Members' film launched to increase understanding of co‑operatives

Co-operatives UK has launched a new film 'Co-operatives: Owned by our Members' to increase understanding of co-operatives in the International Year of Co-operatives 2025.

Created by Media Co-op, a worker co-operative based in Glasgow, the film is available for all co-operatives to use freely – whether as part of induction programmes, on social media, or featured on websites – to help explain what co-operatives and co-operation mean in practice.

The film features powerful contributions from Co-operatives UK members including Co-op Group, FC United of Manchester, Greencity Wholefoods and West Granton Housing Co-operative. It showcases how co-operatives work across different sectors, ownership models and communities from around 50 co-operatives across the UK and even overseas examples – giving a rich, visual insight into the diversity and shared values that underpin the movement.

Rose Marley said: "Whether you’re inducting a new staff member or posting on social media, this video explains co-operation in a way that’s clear, inspiring and accessible. Huge thanks to The Co-operative Bank for making it possible – and to the many members who took part. 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."

Vilte Vaitkute, Creative Director at Media Co-op, said: "Media co-op is proud to have worked with Co-operatives UK and so many of its members to bring this film to life. We know first-hand the power of co-operation, because we're a co-op ourselves. We hope this short film reflects the diversity, the creativity and the real-world impact of our movement. This is a film made by co-ops for co-ops – and we hope it gets seen and shared far and wide."

The main video is now available at www.uk.coop/ownedby, with a shorter campaign version and individual case study edits to follow in the coming weeks. It was made possible thanks to grant funding from The Co-operative Bank.

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.