Co-op Connections: Edinburgh

About the event

Our policy team is in town to talk to local co-operatives about Scottish government’s current review of how to significantly grow co-operatives and other inclusive business models.  

Our priority is to ensure the voice of Scottish co-operatives is heard in this review. In lieu of a public consultation by Scottish government, we have been running one of our own. These in-person meetings come at a critical point in the process, when the direction of travel becomes apparent and we have a final chance to influence the outcome. The review will conclude by Christmas.

If you want to know more about the review and potential implications for Scottish co-operatives, or have points that you need us and Scottish government to hear, please come along.

You can also feed in via our online consultation form.

Format

This event will take place in-person for 1.5 hours.

How much does it cost?

• This event is FREE - Learn about Co-operatives UK membership.

What attendees will gain

You will have the opportunity to meet other co-ops based in Edinburgh.

Who should attend?

Anyone working in a co-op based in Edinburgh or the surrounding areas. 

Meet our team

James Wright, Policy and Development Lead, Co-operatives UK

James joined Co-operatives UK in 2013 as a Policy Officer and has worked his way up to the role of Policy and Development Lead - and is also a member of our Leadership Team (LT). Prior to Co-operatives UK he worked with credit unions, as a student housing case worker and for a housing association. James has been convinced of the need for more just, sustainable and democratic businesses since studying politics at university in the early 2000s. A belief in the benefits of mutualism is a family tradition. James leads our efforts to influence government policy, in order to create better conditions for co-op formation and growth. Outside of work James has a toddler to look after, loves to cycle everywhere and gets about five minutes a day to mess about on a guitar. 

Tom Laing, Policy Officer, Co-operatives UK

Tom joined Co-operatives UK in 2022, having graduated with a first-class degree in politics. Tom has existed in and around the co-operative policy sphere for several years, serving on various committees including a term as National Co-ordinator for the Young Fabians. As Policy Officer, Tom works with our members to influence public policy and to help ensure Government supports the proliferation of new co-operatives across the economy. Outside of work Tom enjoys reading and activism. They also currently serve as a Labour and Co-operative Councillor in Wirral and continue to complete their MA dissertation research into the Co-operative Party.

Gareth Wright, Member Relations Co-ordinator, Co-operatives UK

Gareth has been finding solutions to common business needs for almost 20 years. He’s worked with clients from a range of sectors in the UK and across Europe. Since joining Co-operatives UK in 2012, he’s been working directly with our members to ensure they have access to practical advice and guidance. He also delivers training and hosts local networking events. Gareth is never too far from co-ops, as he’s an active member of his local credit union, a co-op pub and a brewery. In his spare time, you’ll find him walking in the hills or riding one of his bikes..