Case studies
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Forty years and counting... the story of Suma
The UK’s flagship worker co-op, Suma was founded 40 years ago when seven people formed a wholefood wholesaler in West Yorkshire.
4 years 6 months
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Farmers stand united through co‑operation: Aspatria Farmers
The UK’s farmers must stand united to combat the threat of multi-national corporations in the food supply chain, says Tim Wilson, CEO of Aspatria Farmers.
4 years 7 months
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A co-op with people power that keeps a proud heritage alive: Norwich Mustard
Content by Co-op Fortnight
Norwich Mustard co-op is proof that when an industry that’s been synonymous with a city for centuries is suddenly shut down by a large multinational – there’s a way for individuals to take control and…
4 years 9 months
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A co-operative community of wine lovers: The Wine Society
Content by Co-op Fortnight
The Wine Society has been selling quality wines at affordable prices since 1874. “We’re one of the original Victorian co-ops,” says Public Relations Manager Ewan Murray.
4 years 9 months
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Reviving derelict buildings to bring hope to communities: Nudge Community Builders
Content by Co-op Fortnight
Nudge Community Builders in Plymouth is flying the flag for Co-op Fortnight (24 June to 7 July 2019) by leading a group of volunteers to mend and clean a much-loved community space at Union Corner the…
4 years 9 months
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Helping Blake House Cooperative plan for a sustainable future
Content by Business support for co-ops
As a new start‑up business, filmmakers Blake House Cooperative applied to The Hive to access an experienced peer mentor to help them with a range of areas, from business development to client…
5 years
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Projekts MCR – a skatepark changing lives in Manchester
Content by Business support for co-ops
Projekts MCR is a skatepark based in Manchester city centre. It recently received support from The Hive – the support programme for co-ops delivered by Co‑operatives UK in partnership with The…
5 years 3 months
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Openfield, the UK’s only national farming grain co‑operative
For 400 years the Casswell family has farmed land in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. But without farmer-owned co-operatives the prospect of future generations continuing those farming traditions would be…
5 years 7 months
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“Work that feels meaningful” – South East London Community Energy co‑op
Content by Business support for co-ops
Tea, coffee, cake and energy advice. Over 1,300 operational solar panels. Access to energy saving gizmos, insulation and grants. Put simply, this is how South East London Community Energy (SELCE)…
5 years 8 months
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“A great sense of community” – October Books
Content by Business support for co-ops
From constrained to creative. From frustrated to fulfilled. From boredom to belonging. That’s the difference being part of the October Books co-op has made to Jessica Haynes.
5 years 8 months
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Freelancers join forces to tackle corruption and tax evasion: Open Data Services
From different locations across the UK a small number of analysts and IT professionals discuss their work to help tackle corruption and tax evasion - to create transparency around the awarding of…
5 years 8 months
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Using technology to make a difference for good: Outlandish
Content by Co-op Fortnight
Working for Outlandish – a thriving digital agency and worker co-op – and then becoming a member, has made a massive difference to Amil Vasishtha.
5 years 9 months
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“Working ‘with’ people not ‘to’ or ‘for’ them” – Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership
Content by Co-op Fortnight
Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP) is a co-op that makes a difference to families, communities and organisations. Using ‘restorative’ training and consultancy, they work with groups to…
5 years 9 months
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“Social and environmental aims are fundamental to our work” – OrganicLea
Content by Business support for co-ops
OrganicLea is a small workers’ co-operative growing food on London’s edge in the Lea Valley.
5 years 9 months
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“Co-operation was the natural choice” – Natural Foodstore Diss
Content by Business support for co-ops
When the owner of the The Natural Foodstore in Diss, Norfolk, announced her plans to retire after over 25 years, workers at the store decided to take action...
5 years 11 months
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Fairtrade coffee changing women's lives: CoopFam
How a Fairtrade speciality coffee and social impact investment are empowering some of the poorest women in the world
6 years