Introducing our New Director, Gareth Nash

We’re delighted to welcome Gareth Nash to our Board of Directors. We spoke to him recently about his three plus decades of experience in co-operative development and finance, and why the time was right to join us.

“I’ve always been interested in democratic forms of organisation. I remember walking past a co-operative development agency when I was at City University in London. It had a shopfront – which was unusual – so I popped in, and I thought, this is good.”

After university, Gareth joined the Northern Region Co-operative Development Agency, later working with the West Midlands Co-operative Finance and then Lancashire Co-operative Development Agency. When his time there came to an end, Gareth turned a difficult moment into an opportunity.

“It was a desperate time, but actually the best thing that ever happened. Dave Hollings, another colleague, and I thought, ‘we can do this ourselves’. So we set up Co-operative and Mutual Solutions (CMS), a workers’ coop – and 23 years later, we’re still going strong.”

Through CMS, Gareth and his colleagues have supported co-operatives, asset transfers, and community share issues across the UK. Their work has also extended into the criminal justice system, helping prisoners and ex-offenders use co-operation to rebuild lives.

“We’ve worked in several prisons and through the gate with people leaving custody. The idea that relationships are key – that co-operation enables pro-social behaviour – is really powerful. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been an integral part of our development.”

We talked about the future of co-operation, and the current drive to support the sector – is this an opportunity to get back to the ‘glory days’?

Gareth said,“I am hopeful because the sector is being talked about again. There are serious conversations about doubling the number of co-operatives, and the Labour Government appears to be on board. The ambition is there. And this represents an important opportunity for CCF.

“It’s a growth time for co-ops – and they’ll need finance. CCF is a friendly, efficient lender with purpose. It understands the sector and shares its values.”

So why CCF, and why now?

“I was approached by Tim, and it felt like the right moment. CMS has worked with CCF for many years – we’ve referred clients, collaborated on projects, and even borrowed ourselves when we needed flexible finance. I’ve known many of the staff team over the years. Joining the Board feels like a natural progression.”

“I’m glad to be joining CCF at this exciting time,” Gareth says. “It’s an organisation with purpose – helping co-ops to grow, and that’s exactly what’s needed right now.”

We’re proud to have Gareth, and his varied experiences, on board and are looking forward to seeing where his perspectives take us.