Co-op Fortnight Day 4 – What is Co-op?
This article will take approximately 2 minutes to read
Published 24 Jun 2021 in Raising Awareness
We are already part of a co-op, but do you actually know what one is? Today on Day 4, we tell you how we as a co-operative are uniquely different to other types of businesses.
What is a Co-op?
Watch the video below from Co-ops UK, telling us all about what is a co-op.
A co-op is a business or organisation that’s owned and controlled by its members, to meet their shared needs. The members can be its customers, employees, residents or suppliers, who have a say in how the co-op is run. Every co-op across the world shares the same co-operative principles and values and ours are the DOES values.
How is a Co-op different from other types of businesses?
Co-ops are owned by the people closest to the business. These are typically the colleagues, customers or local community. This means co-ops focus not just on making a profit, but how they made it and what they do with it to bring value to their members and community.
What kinds of businesses are Co-op's?
All kinds of businesses operate co-operatively. There are co-operative pubs, energy suppliers, taxi firms, bookstores, community gardens, wine sellers, farmers and sports clubs. There are housing co-ops, health care co-ops, co-operatives of actors, musicians, technology co-ops – and much more.
Check out the colourful ‘Proud to be a Co-op’ posters. They are a great way of letting your customers, staff, suppliers and members know that your organisation is a co-op. Download them here.
Thumbs Up for Co-op's – Send us your pictures
Proud to be part of a co-op? Whether you are in a store, branch, site or office, share your support for Co-op Fortnight to thumbsup@midcounties.coop and we will feature them in our weekly round up. 👍