Co-operatives welcomed at Downing Street as government reaffirms pledge to double the sector

A reception for co-operatives and mutuals was held at No.10 Downing Street today (Monday 9 June) with CEO Rose Marley representing Co-operatives UK's members alongside sector leaders.

Hosted by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, the Minister for Services, Small Business and Export, Gareth Thomas, and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, the event brought together a broad range of representatives from across the co-operative and mutual economy.

The reception reaffirmed the government’s manifesto pledge to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector, with ministers outlining a renewed policy focus on enabling growth, innovation and investment within the social economy.

Key developments shared at the event include the advancement of the new Business Growth Service and launch of a Call for Evidence on Co-operatives and Mutuals. While financial mutuals will not be within the scope of the Call for Evidence, ministers recognised their importance and confirmed that the government is actively exploring opportunities to support business growth at all stages - including for co-operatives starting, scaling, or converting from other models.

This announcement comes at a pivotal time, with 2025 designated by the United Nations as the International Year of the Co-operative, providing added momentum for sector-wide advocacy and reform.

Co-operatives UK will be encouraging members to contribute their knowledge and experience to the Call for Evidence to help co-operatives and mutuals play a bigger role in government’s Plan for Change, which seeks to grow the economy, put more money in people’s pockets, and usher in a decade of national renewal.

Details will be shared with the apex body's members as soon as more information becomes available, including how they can contribute their insights and experiences.

For more photos from the event see here.