Co-operatives UK-backed programme stimulates ethical business growth

The programme formed part of the wider Business for Good West Yorkshire programme and was co-designed and delivered by Co‑operatives UK and the School for Social Entrepreneurs.  

It was designed to specifically meet the aims of alternative businesses (co-operatives, social enterprises and community interest companies) in marginalised or disadvantaged communities in West Yorkshire, offering a flexible approach to their distinctive support needs and the wider social impacts in their local communities.

The programme was devised to enable these businesses to grow, reach new markets, network – and to develop resilience and leadership skills to help create and safeguard jobs. 

The five West Yorkshire co‑operatives taking part were: 

• Fox and Goose Co-operative Pub
• Holmfirth Tech
• Fruit Works Co-operative
• Leeds Mindfulness Co-operative
• Leeds Bike Mill 

They were part of a 19-strong cohort that received training and support over an eight-week period in Autumn 2024. This included online learning sessions, group work and one-to-one peer support. 

Thanks to the programme, all the participants increased their skills. And almost all the businesses have since engaged in new markets and/or adopted new technologies or processes. Additionally, jobs were created and safeguarded as a result of the programme.

Petra Morris, Co‑operatives UK’s Co‑op Development Manager, said: “It’s been an incredible privilege to work alongside the School for Social Entrepreneurs to deliver this unique programme and to witness the transformative experiences of those involved.  

“We’ve brought together our respective experience and first-hand knowledge of co‑ops, social enterprises and community focused businesses to deliver a bespoke and flexible programme that really understands the participants’ distinctive support needs.   

“As well as gaining technical knowledge and expertise, the participants have learned from each other and provided peer‑to‑peer support. They’ve also visited and learned from existing social enterprises. This has created a real and meaningful sense of not being alone and having shared experiences.” 

The Growth and Resilience Programme Evaluation and Learning Summary can be downloaded from the Business for Good West Yorkshire website. 

The 2025/6 Growth and Resilience Programme will open again for recruitment in May 2025. Co-operatives, social enterprises and community interest companies based in West Yorkshire can register their interest in taking part.

The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and managed by Third Sector Leaders Kirklees CIO.