Co-operatives UK

01/12/2025

The frenzied hunt for online bargains continues on . But we want to focus on something else - and that's helping protect co-operatives and community businesses from cyber attacks with these five top tips 👨💻 👇

There's more detail in this guest blog from experts at Longwall Security ➡️ https://buff.ly/8KenBAF

26/11/2025

It’s brilliant that the government has used this Budget to open the call for evidence on business support for co-operatives. This is a once in a generation opportunity for our sector. Co-operatives UK is ready to help co-operatives large and small, in every sector, have their say. We’ll circulate initial thoughts in the coming days.

We are thankful that HM Treasury retains the employee buyout Capital Gains Tax (CGT) relief, albeit at a much lower 50%. In our view, this change makes business support and finance for mutualisation more important. It also strengthens the case for making the low cost worker co-op model eligible for the relief, as this will make mutualisation an economical option for a wide range of businesses.

Lower business rates on small retail and hospitality properties will be a welcome relief for all our bricks and mortar co-operatives. Though cost pressures continue elsewhere, with further Living Wage and employer National Insurance increases.

£13bn in integrated settlements for strategic authorities looks good. We hope these authorities allocate some of their new business support funds for co-operative development.

We welcome British Business Bank’s plans to deploy £2.5bn a year. Based on GVA (gross value added), a proportionate allocation to schemes that cater to co-operatives would be £15m, which would be a gamechanger for their growth.

We will assess the potential impact of the High Value Council Tax Surcharge on large co-operative HMOs (houses in multiple occupation).

We are also pleased the Government is continuing to support research and development (R&D) and will publish an advance assurances scheme for small and medium sized businesses to gain clarity on key elements of R&D tax relief claim.

26/11/2025

🎉 A big shout out to our members GLL, Social adVentures, Zaytoun CIC and Signalise who are up for Social Enterprise UK Awards tonight!

Good luck to all!

Read about all the categories and nominees here ➡️ https://buff.ly/jr466sA

20/11/2025

to Practitioners Forum earlier this month!

It was such a great day with nearly 200 people from different co-operatives and organisations all working to make our sector stronger.

Thank you so much to everyone who came along, our speakers, exhibitors and our forum sponsors – Incomes Data Research and The Co-operative Bank!

📸 Check out the photos here >> https://buff.ly/AGkU3JE

20/11/2025

✨ Young people in the north west – want to do things differently?

Join us at PINK Manchester in Stockport on Tuesday 9 December for Do It Different – an event bringing young 16-30s together to explore how you can have a say in the things that matter: work, housing, shopping and more...

💡 Spark new ideas for new projects and meet like-minded people. This is a space to learn, connect and imagine better ways of doing things differently.

Book your FREE place 👉 https://buff.ly/pnh5MiV

Funded by The Co-operative Bank 👏

18/11/2025

⚖️ Make sure your co‑operative is prepared should you face an employment tribunal. Get first‑hand experience so you can avoid the pitfalls.

Join the immersive mock employment tribunal we’re delivering with 3PB Barristers in Birmingham on Friday 5 December – and get to grips with how employment tribunals really work.

In this full‑day session, you’ll:
- Experience tribunal proceedings around a case of unfair dismissal and s*x discrimination
- Learn what employment judges look for
- Spot common pitfalls for employers
- Even get the chance to take part in the role-play (if you want to!)

📍3PB Chambers, The Colmore Building, Birmingham

£120 + VAT per person (includes 30% member discount)

Perfect for HR professionals and anyone involved in HR processes for their co‑operative.
Sign up 👉 https://buff.ly/pgG9iOm

18/11/2025

Looking to shop ethically, support your local economy and/or work with businesses that share your co-operative values?

We can all make a difference, whether as individuals in terms of buying products and services or through business-to-business transactions.
So how do we find them?

Our directory provides a comprehensive list of the UK's co-operatives. You can search by location and sector - and even check if they're a Co-operatives UK certified member.
The choice is ours to make. Go co-operative today👇
https://buff.ly/rmaouqn

12/11/2025

£250 million in profits were made by private care providers in just three regions of England over three years - with millions flowing to private equity and tax havens.

Meanwhile, frontline care workers are underpaid, and local authorities are locked into contracts that drain public funds...

Care isn’t a product to extract profit from - it’s a public good that should strengthen communities.

It's all in our new (Reclaiming Our Regional Economies) report out today (see link in comments). But there is a better way. One that puts people, not shareholders, at the heart of care.

The Guardian has carried the story today: https://buff.ly/kakIcfA


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More than third of profits analysed went to firms owned by private equity or based in tax havens, research finds

10/11/2025

From artefacts and interviews to activities, the Woodcraft Folk have launched an exhibition - 100 Objects Spanning 100 years - paying tribute to trailblazers and asking how they can shape the future. 🌍

Funded by the National Lottery Fund, the exhibition will feature a hands-on experience, allowing you to handle artefacts and listen to personal interviews. You can also participate in activities like badge making and contribute to their international postcard exhibition.

📍Rochdale Pioneers Museum

🗓️ 5 November - 13 December, Wednesday to Saturday, 10.30am - 4pm

The Woodcraft Folk are also taking the exhibition to London and Birmingham early next year. 🧭

🔗 Find out more: https://buff.ly/cwKFRoi

05/11/2025

If you're headed to Practitioners Forum tomorrow, make sure you spend time meeting our exhibitors! 👋

We're looking forward to welcoming: Incomes Data Research, HR Forum sponsor, and The Co-operative Bank, Finance Forum sponsor. Also joining us are Mi-Voice, Co-operative & Community Finance, Co-operative News, Civica, Wrigleys Solicitors and Fund for International Co-operative Development.

Our team will be available to speak to members too. Find out more about our sponsors and exhibitors here: https://buff.ly/6ZYqIZY

05/11/2025

Missed our Co-op Director training in September? Here’s your next chance!

Our Essential Co-op Director training returns this December, giving you the tools and confidence to lead your co-op effectively.

Designed specifically for co-operative and mutual boards, this interactive session will help you:

✅ Understand your legal duties and responsibilities as a director
✅ Strengthen your governance and decision-making
✅ Explore what makes co-operative leadership different
✅ Build confidence to lead with co-operative values at heart

📍 Wednesday 3 December - online, via zoom

Strong governance is the foundation of every successful co-operative, make sure you’re ready to play your part.

Book your place now: https://buff.ly/lUlvm7c

04/11/2025

⏱️ Just one week left to book onto our FREE webinar!

🏠 The UK housing crisis means affordability and long-term tenancy matter more than ever. But there is another way.

Join our webinar to explore how housing co-operatives, cohousing and Mutual Home Ownership Societies put residents in control.

🗣️ Hear from:
- Monica King, Bridport Cohousing (53 affordable, sustainable homes with shared facilities)
- James Hartley, LATCH - Leeds (turning empty houses into supported homes, with training & employment opportunities)

📅 Tue 11 Nov, 10:30–12:00
👉 Book now: https://buff.ly/0w0I8oI

We're working in partnership with the Centre for Democratic Business, thanks to funding from The Co-operative Bank.