Co-operatives UK

Doubling the size of the co-operative and mutual sector cannot stay as a warm ambition.

It has to become a serious delivery agenda, with funding, finance, legislation and pace behind it.

As co-operatives and mutuals gather in Parliament today to mark the first birthday of the Mutuals Business Council, our Policy and Development Lead, James Wright, looks at the progress government has already made, from local power to community ownership and credit unions.

But this summer is decisive. If ministers want the impact to be visible by the next election, the next phase has to be bolder and faster.

Read James’ full piece on what’s been achieved, what’s missing and why doubling the sector could help build a fairer, more resilient UK economy (link in the comments).

Keeping up with changing legal, HR and governance responsibilities can be challenging for any co-operative - especially when legislation, workplace expectations and operational risks are evolving so quickly.

That’s why we produce our advice mailer, designed specifically to help co-operatives stay informed, prepared and ahead of the curve.

Our next edition - out soon - is packed with:
• Employment law updates
• Guidance on redundancy changes
• Practical advice on using AI
• Upcoming specialist training

Whether you are a board member, manager or practitioner, our advice mailer provides practical, expert-led guidance tailored to the realities of running a co-operative business.

Sign up to get our advice and practical support straight into your inbox: https://buff.ly/WyyrAnb

ONS data shows a growing share of UK companies are owned overseas (it's a whopping 58%).

That means more profits leaving the UK – so not being reinvested in communities, infrastructure or jobs.

The system is working exactly as designed.

Here's the evidence: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/investmentspensionsandtrusts/bulletins/ownershipofukquotedshares/2024

What are your thoughts?

🌍 Co‑operate and we can change the world! 💗

That’s the theme of 2026 – starting on 22 June. To celebrate, we want to showcase the incredible positive impact co‑operatives are making every day.

We want to hear from our members about:
🤝 How you support and strengthen your community
💚 How you improve the lives of members, employees, customers or clients
🌼 How you’re creating fairer, more empowering places to live and work
📸 We’d love great video content and photos too

We’ll share your stories far and wide. Find out more and share your story with us here: https://buff.ly/otKiv7W

Not long to go until our movement comes together for Co-op Congress, 12-13 June in Birmingham.

This year's event offers 25+ sessions – something for everyone – proudly sponsored by The Co-operative Bank. We will:
👏 Showcase co-operatives are building a fairer future across sectors including tech, social care, sports and leisure, energy and more
💡 Learn about opportunities to engage with Government schemes, like the Local Power Plan and Pride in Place
🫶 Hear speakers from across business, culture and public life

There is so much going on across the two days – don't miss out! See the link in bio – uk.coop/congress

Speaker highlights include: Simel Esim (ILO Cooperative, Social & Solidarity Economy Unit), Longfella: Poet Tony Walsh, Julie Hesmondhalgh (actor and writer), Richard Parker - Mayor of the West Midlands, Andrew Pakes MP, Maeve Campbell (Climate Journalist), Fraser Stewart (Great British Energy), Jim Islam (OneFamily), Amber Sandhu (Radio & TV Broadcaster), Fatima Ishaq (Co-operatives UK's Youth Advisory Group), Dr Matthew Vickers (Community Energy England). Plus: Agile Collective, Birmingham City Council, Cartrefi Cymru Co-operative, Community Energy London, Co-operatives UK, Cwmpas, Five Senses, Grimsby Community Energy, ITZANA Arts, Kings Heath Community Centre, networks.coop, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, The Arcade - Dewsbury, The Co-operative Bank, The Developer Society , Stirchley Co-operative Development – with more still to be announced.

Looking for a fairer way to do business?

Join this FREE webinar to explore co-operative and community-owned business models, with examples of co-ops doing business differently in practice - from co-operative pubs, community gardens, to housing and health care co-ops just to name a few.

We’ll cover the basics of member ownership, democratic decision-making, and the key steps to starting a co-operative.

Thursday 25 June, 12.00pm-1.00pm, online via Zoom.

Delivered by Co-operatives UK in partnership with The Co-operative Bank.

Book now - https://buff.ly/7GiA9PE

Massive congrats to The Globe after winning the prestigious Grassroots Venue: Spirit of the Scene award at the Music Week Awards 🎶 (so well deserved!).

The Globe, in Newcastle Upon Tyne, is the home of the wonderful Jazz.Coop (a member of ours of course). It is 100% community owned and controlled - and in just 12 years The Globe has established itself as one of the most important grassroots music venues in the north east.

Another fantastic example of a co-operative making a real impact through culture, community and collaboration. 👏

📰 Read the full article here: https://buff.ly/K42zGbl

Are you looking for a different approach to your business or community enterprise?

Join us for a FREE, in-person workshop exploring co-operative and community-owned business models and how they offer a fairer way to live and work.

📅 Wed 3 June 2026
🕙 10.00am-2.00pm
📍 The Signing Tree, Birmingham (B16 8SZ)
📣 Free to attend, refreshments and lunch included

Brought to you by Co-operatives UK and delivered by Co-operatives West Midlands.

Book your place here: https://buff.ly/S2gWBVj