Is a co-op right for you?
We recently ran the first of what will become a series of workshops in the South West, introducing the idea of co-operatives and community benefit societies and why they might be the right choice for certain groups.
We are hoping to run more of these workshops – see our Workshops page.
Scroll down for some information about the session…
SPEAKERS
We had speakers from the University of Exeter, Exeter Community Energy and Exeter Growers, all sharing their perspectives and experience.
ATTENDEES
We had people from:
Co-operative Party
Local Social Enterprise Development workers
Community Energy Companies
New start land community group
WHAT THEY GOT FROM THE SESSION
Understanding what co-opss and community benefit societies are.
Learning about different kinds of co-ops and community benefit societies.
Specific information about the co-op sector in the South West of England.
Information on how to get start up support.
Networking opportunities.
IMPACT
We are still waiting to see what the impact of this session will be, but we hope it will include:
- Potential new co-operatives
- Improved support for people looking to set up co-operatives
- Improved understanding of why to encourage growth of co-operative sector
Don’t just take our word for it, see what some of our participants said:
“Thank you for organising an inspirational event and bringing together a community of individuals working towards a common purpose.”
“Excellent presentations and information on the real world realities and incredible potential of cooperatives. Thank you.”
“Meaningful, inspirational. Many thanks.”
“I left the workshop more optimistic, more empowered and more determined to promote the cooperative movement politically and practically. Thank you.”
South West Co-operative Development Limited
Registered as a Community Benefit Society: 31193R
Registered office address:
10 East Reach,
Taunton
TA1 3EW
Office phone: 0300 456 2265
Email: development@southwest.coop
