Most people will think that a co-op is like any other business, but lift the bonnet, take a look inside and you’ll soon see what makes them different. There are thousands of co-op’s in the UK and millions around the world, operating in every sector. They are all founded on the same 7 principles and have the same values. Here are the 7 principles as defined by Co-operatives UK and how we still follow them today:
1. Open and voluntary Membership
A co-op is owned and controlled by its members. It exists for the benefit of its members’, who may be customers, workers, suppliers or the wider community. You can become a member of our co-op by joining us here
2. Democratic member control
A co-op is democratic – this means every member has an equal say in how it’s run and how profits are used. See the results of our recent Members’ event here
4. Autonomy and independence
A co-op is an independent business, owned and controlled by its members. We are a successful, independent, community-based co-op, read our annual report here
5. Education, training and information
It offers education and training to everyone involved, so they can develop the co-op and promote the benefits of co-operation - We have a special team of colleagues, working within our communities, see what they have been up to here
6. Co-operation among co-operatives
It co-operates, works with and supports other co-ops. We work with other co-op’s across the UK. We also have a very exciting project that we will be announcing soon. (Launching July 2022)
7. Concern for community
A co-op supports the communities it works with. One of the ways we do this is by offering grants to local community groups (we call it Community Dividend), you can find out more about it here