Celebrate Co-op Fortnight – The creation of 50 new Co-operatives
This article will take approximately 3 minutes to read
Published 28 Jun 2023 in Raising Awareness
As Co-op Fortnight continues, did you know we have pledged to support the creation of 50 new co-operatives as part of our sustainability strategy? Read on to discover more.
Cooperating to make a difference
Partnering with others, including the Plunkett Foundation, Co-operative Futures, and ICOF (Co-operative Community Finance) to achieve this goal. The 50 new co-operatives will focus on Midcounties' core trading area and encompass all co-operative models across various sectors.
Since announcing our pledge, so far, we have successfully supported the creation of eight new co-operative and community-owned organisations in our core trading areas:
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Our partnership with the Plunkett Foundation helped the establishment of The Rising Sun Woodcroft Community Pub Limited in Gloucestershire, The Ogbourne Community Benefit Society (Silks on the Downs) in Wiltshire, and The Brewers Arms (West Malvern) in Worcestershire.
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Our partnership with Co-op Futures contributed to the development of Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society in Gloucestershire, Our Green Shop in Shropshire, Jigsaw Community Co-operative in Gloucestershire, Supporting Local Arts and Performance in Worcestershire, and Sustainable Shrivenham in Oxfordshire.
We are immensely proud to continue our collaboration with the Plunkett Foundation and Co-op Futures; organisations with a proven track record of providing business support to co-operatives. That's not all, we will also continue to work with them to support existing co-ops and the development of new co-ops and look to build on other existing relationships, such as with the ICOF, which offers loans to co-ops and social/community enterprise businesses.
Who is the Plunkett Foundation?
Established in 1919, the Plunkett Foundation has helped over 600 community-owned businesses set up and grow over the last 100 years.
These businesses, ranging from shops and pubs to farms and bakeries, are owned and run democratically by members of their local community for the benefit of the local community.
The charity provides practical advice, support and training to ensure community businesses have long-term survival rates.
Similarly, Midcounties provides financial support to Co-op Futures and serves on their board to offer governance and strategic direction. They have successfully supported the establishment and the operation of five new co-operatives; including the Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society, Our Green Shop, Jigsaw Community Co-operative, Supporting Local Arts and Performance, and Sustainable Shrivenham. They also organised the Future Co-ops Conference, which brought together co-operators from across the country.
A Spotlight on ‘The Rising Sun Community Pub group’ in Woodcroft
One of the groups we are supporting is The Rising Sun Community Pub group in Woodcroft, Gloucestershire. With Plunkett's assistance and the determination of the local community, they were able to save the pub as a community business. Despite challenging conditions for the hospitality sector, the pub has thrived under community ownership and serves as a hub for the local community.
A Spotlight on the Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society
Co-operative Futures has been actively involved in setting up the Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society in Podsmead, Gloucester. The society aims to support well-being, learning, skills, and employment advice in the area. A notable project of the society is the development of the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub, which offers a range of sports activities and youth programs.
Our commitment – a positive effect
Overall, our commitment to supporting the creation of new co-operatives has yielded positive results, benefiting local communities and promoting the co-operative model. Through partnerships and financial support, we are helping to facilitate the establishment of various co-operative businesses, fostering sustainability and community engagement.
A fantastic example of how we are cooperating to build a fairer, more sustainable and ethical future for all.
