Supporting Stronger Communities – One Co-op at a Time

On our way to create 50 new co-ops

Since May 2022 we have been proudly delivering on our bold ambition to support the creation of 50 new co-ops by May 2027. This ambition forms part of our member-led strategy, which is rooted in our purpose of using the power of cooperation to create a fairer, more ethical and sustainable future. And fairness is very much at the heart of what co-operatives deliver, by giving communities greater control of the businesses which serve them. 

As of today, we can proudly share that we’ve helped 31 new co-operative and community-owned organisations take root across our trading areas – from community pubs and shops to innovative energy and care initiatives.

We’ve worked together with partners including the Plunkett Foundation and Co-operative Futures to provide funding, business advice, events and mentoring support to new and emerging co-operatives. These groups reflect the diversity of co-operative enterprise – whether that’s the Cutteslowe Greenhouse community hub in Oxfordshire or Makespace Oxford, which turns unused buildings into creative spaces.

Recently, we helped support BATCOM, a start-up composting co-op in Stroud, Gloucestershire, helping residents in areas council services can’t reach, giving them the opportunity to do their part in the battle to eliminate waste and compost responsibly. It’s a perfect example of how we are combatting national issues – food waste – through local causes and community-led innovation.

With the Labour Party pledging in its election manifesto to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector, we’re continuing to look for more opportunities to grow the movement. Our partners at Co-operative Futures are already working with 10 new potential co-ops and supporting 12 existing ones to grow and thrive.

BATCOM is a start-up community composting scheme for Brimscombe and Thrupp in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

In this landmark year, we’re showing how co-operative principles can create a better, fairer future for everyone. We’re proud to be working with likeminded organisations to turn those values into real, practical solutions for the communities we serve – demonstrating that doing good and doing business can go hand-in-hand.