News Archive
Fifty years of friendship and finance – meet Dan and Vic at Unicorn
Today in our series of conversations with people and organisations we’ve known over our 50 years so far, we speak to Dan Holden and Vik Knott of Unicorn Grocery in Chorlton, Manchester. “We needed loan finance in 2003 to buy our building. The opportunity came up unexpectedly and we needed to get a lot of […]
Could you be our new Chair?
We are still looking for a new Chairperson! Could it be you? We are looking for a dynamic new Chairperson to lead our board in providing strong strategic support to the small executive team, chair quarterly meetings, promote high standards of governance, encourage positive change and uphold our strong ethical values and co-operative principles. What […]
500-year-old inn secures new investment for community
A 500-year-old Inn saved by its residents in 2018 has secured a new funding package enabling the community pub to thrive as it enters a new chapter under new management. Located in the heart of Ash near Sandwich in Kent, the Chequer Inn is a country pub that has been serving drinks and its community […]
Celebrating ICOF 50th birthday – looking back at our early loans – Unicorn Grocery
Manchester based Unicorn Grocery has been supplying the good people of the north west with affordable, wholesome food, ecological household goods and more since 1996 ‘by a small group of people committed to social change’ Twice named the nation’s ‘Best Food Retailer’ at the BBC Food & Farming Awards, they have also been named as the […]
Co-op & Community Finance Strategy – 2023 and Beyond
We are proud to be able to launch our new Co-op & Community Finance Strategy in Co-ops Fortnight of our 50th year. We are really pleased to be able to share it with all our members, friends and partners and very much look forward delivering on the strategy for 2023 and beyond. To reflect changing […]
Innovation, Impact & Co-operation – Video Celebrating 50 Years of Co-operative & Community Finance
One of the joys of any birthday is surely the party – the chance to connect with friends and loved ones whether close by or far flung. Our 50th birthday has so far provided a wonderful opportunity for what, in some ways, feels like a year-long party. We shared this video at our recent AGM, showcasing […]
Celebrating ICOF 50th birthday – looking back at our early loans – Save Waste and Prosper
As the years progressed, we started to receive more applications for loans that focused specifically on making a positive impact on the environment. Recycling and recycled good became common sights on our loan applications paperwork. Save Waste and Prosper started out in Manchester, and continue to provide, Environmental Services from Leeds. We supported them in […]
Want to build a new economy? Support Stir To Action as they share the ABCs
Stir to Action is crowdfunding to fund the mass circulation of a special publication – ABCs of the New Economy – a new ‘primer’ and event guide to support for community-led organisations to build their own local movements. The free publication will create access to all aspects of the new economy, featuring tools and ideas to […]
Fifty years of friendship and finance – meet Brian Titley
Today in our series of interviews looking back over fifty years of friendship and finance we speak to Brian Titley. Brian joined ICOF as a Trustee in 2003, having known about the organisation previously and in fact having borrowed from it, as part of CAN – Co-operative Assistance Network. Brian remains involved in Community Shares […]
Celebrating ICOF 50th birthday – looking back at our early loans – Radley Village Shop
One of the key trends we’ve seen in our lending is the move towards democratic, community ownership in shops and pubs. Community Owned shops paved the way for Community Owned pubs, both of which tend to offer far more than their core business services. We’re thrilled to be part of ensuring villages and other communities […]