Support and resources

Co‑operatives UK is the voice for the UK’s thousands of independent co‑ops. We support co‑operatives to start up and thrive – join us to access expert advice, events and training.

We want to make it easier for community businesses not only to survive, but to thrive. 

What is a co-operative business? 

Learn more about what is a co-op. 

Start a new co-operative or community benefit society

For groups just starting out, there is a step by step guide to starting a co‑op, links to Co-operatives UK support programmes for starting a co-op or converting an existing business to a co-op. Find further information here: start a new co-op.

Support for your co-operative or community benefit society 

As the network for the UK's thousands of co-operative businesses, Co-operatives UK provides support in HR, culture, governance, finance, marketing, membership strategy and co-operative development. Browse our extensive library of online resources, blogs and information and get in touch for bespoke consultancy support and training. Find further information here: support for your co-op.

Community Shares Handbook 

This Handbook sets out guidance for societies and practitioners who provide advice on community shares, a term used to describe the withdrawable share capital of co-operative and community benefit societies. Read more here: Community Shares Handbook.

Guide to Investing in Community Shares

We have a simple guide to community shares that includes a glossary to explain some of the words used in this guidance. Read more here: Guide to Investing in Community Shares.