News
Funds secured for sustainable living housing co-op in rural North Wales
A housing co-op and its residents have obtained a refinance and property improvements loan package for their remote co-operative living space set in the beautiful Powys countryside. Established in 1985, Undergrowth Housing Co-operative Limited (UHC) was set up by local residents wanting to turn an unused property into shared co-operative housing focused on sustainable rural […]
Aged 10-25 and at the forefront of change? Apply by the 11th December for The Young Gamechangers Fund
Our friends over at The Co-op Foundation are committed to driving real social change and are backing a truly exciting opportunity – The Young Gamechangers Fund. Developed by young people, the Young Gamechangers Fund is funded by the Co-op Foundation, in partnership with Co-op and the #iwill Fund; and is delivered by the Global Fund […]
Three loans and Thriving – here’s how we’ve worked with Brightwayz to help them grow
At Co-op and Community Finance, we provide sympathetic loan finance to help people take control of their economic lives and create social benefit. Many of our borrowers work with us time and again, and we’re pleased to be part of their extended teams. Today we speak to Alison Holland, Founder of Brightwayz, to discuss the […]
Understanding Co-ops: Scottish workshop series exploring how businesses can thrive as a co-operative
Are you thinking of starting a business in Scotland? Or looking for a different approach to your existing business or community venture? Do you want it to be fair, inclusive, democratic and empowering for everyone involved? Then sign up for an Understanding Co-ops workshop to discover the purpose and benefits of co-operatives and see if […]
Book now for the Democratic Business Summit 2024!
How do we double the size of the co-operative economy? Explore this and more at the Democratic Business Summit 2024 on 3 December in Cardiff! Tickets are on sale for this year’s Democratic Business Summit – a one-day event to advance democracy across the UK business economy. Building on the success of last year’s event, […]
Co-operatives Learning Journey – Highlands and Islands
Have you considered a co-op for your business? Would you like to know more about this inclusive and resilient business model and hear from those already working this way? Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise is hosting a free two-day learning journey 12- 13 November to visit and hear from […]
Clean Air for Blue Skies – when will we achieve it?
Today, the 7th of September 2024, is the UN International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, part of the UN Environment Programme. Marked annually since 2019, this year’s observance emphasises ‘the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility’ to combat air pollution. Staggeringly, air pollution is the second leading risk factor […]
We’re proud to be a sponsor of the Social Business Wales Awards!
We’re delighted to share today that we’re one of the sponsors of the Cwmpas Social Business Wales Awards. The Social Business Wales Awards and Conference 2024 is a two day event taking place at Venue Cymru Llandudno on the 1st and 2nd of October. We are proud to sponsor the category for the Social Enterprise […]
Thank you to Sukhdev of Clapton Community Football Club for Presenting at our AGM
The 2024 ICOF and associated companies AGM was held on 20th June 2024. Thank you to everyone who attended and particular thanks to Sukhdev Johal of Queen Mary University of London for being our guest speaker. Sukhdev gave a fantastic presentation on member owned Clapton Community Football Club who we have been very proud to support. Watch the presentation […]
Co-op Fortnight – celebrating an altogether different way to do business
It’s Co-op Fortnight! From Monday 24th June to Sunday 7th July, join us as we celebrate the whole co-op movement as an altogether different way to business With the General Election just days away, we’re proud to be backing Co-operatives UK call on all political parties – and the next UK government – to commit […]
Not long until the ABCs of The New Economy – Stir To Action 2024 Festival
We’re counting down now until the Stir to Action Festival next month – have you booked your place yet? As mentioned in our previous article, we’re thrilled to be sponsoring this important event which will bring together change makers and challengers to participate in practical workshops, inspirational panels, and ideas surgeries – as well as […]
FREE study visits to co-ops in West Yorkshire in Co-op Fortnight!
To mark Co-op Fortnight 2024 – an annual campaign from 24th June to 7th July that celebrates co‑operatives as an altogether different way to do business – our friends at Stir to Action and Co-operatives UK are inviting people to get involved and come along to visit and learn from an exciting range of co-operatives across West […]