Member-owned businesses deepen their commitment to the co-operative movement

From credit unions and community banking to social care and sport, organisations from across the co-operative and mutual economy are strengthening their connection with Co-operatives UK by joining or upgrading to Partner Membership.

Three credit unions have joined this year: CommSave Credit Union, HEY Credit Union and Clockwise Credit Union. Their memberships continue a positive trend of growing engagement from the credit union sector, with several businesses initially joining as standard members before choosing to deepen their relationship through Partner Membership. It also follows a dual membership offer between Co-operatives UK and All Together Money, the UK's biggest federal body for credit union.

We're also delighted to welcome Manchester Building Society, a mutual committed to expanding access to community banking through a programme of new branches across Greater Manchester.

Cartrefi Cymru Co-operative upgraded from standard to Partner Membership as it deepens its involvement in the wider co-operative movement. Alongside its work as a co-operative care provider, Cartrefi Cymru is taking an increasingly active role in events, policy discussions and collaboration across the sector.

We're also recognising the Rugby Football Union (RFU), one of the world's oldest and largest member-owned sporting organisations. Its Partner Membership reflects the broad appeal of co-operative values, access to specialist governance advice, and the opportunities for collaboration across different sectors of the economy.

Together, these organisations strengthen a growing community of Partner Members, bringing new perspectives, expertise and collaboration to help build a stronger co-operative economy.