Convert an existing business to a co-op

Three men stood in front of Richer Sounds

There are many benefits to converting a business to a co‑operative. Learn about what's involved in an employee or community buy-out.

Converting to co-operative ownership

The most common forms of conversion are:

Employee buy-outs - where ownership of a business is transferred to its employees.
Community buy-outs -where key assets and enterprises are taken into the ownership of the local community, or a community of interest.
Charity conversions - where traditional charities convert into democratically-owned charitable organisations, often using community shares. Advice on this subject COMING SOON!

We needed to make sure employees have a say and a vote – that they have control.

– Stephen Gill, founder of VME Co-op

What does an employee buy-out involve?

Find out more about employee buy-outs

Get support to convert to co-operative ownership

Support is available through our co-op support programme, The Hive

Find out more

Apply for support to convert to a co‑op

Content by The Hive

The Hive offers up to 10 days bespoke business support, mentoring and training to help you to understand the options for direct worker ownership and the benefits this brings.

1 month ago