People and communities across Exeter are being urged to choose co-operatives as a fair and ethical way to start and run a business.
Evidence shows that co-operatives are more than twice as likely to survive the first five years of trading when compared to other start-up businesses.*
Owned and controlled by their members, co-operatives offer a way of doing business that is more equitable and democratic.
Through the Business Support for Co-ops programme, Co-operatives UK and The Co-operative Bank are championing fair and ethical business by offering:
- Up to six days of tailored support from a co-operative expert
- Access to online resources
- Subsidised registration for new co-operative business
Catherine Douglas, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at The Co-operative Bank said: “Our business has deep and historic roots in the co-operative movement.
“By supporting Co-operatives UK, we’re committed to championing the future of co-operatives across the UK, particularly through funding allocated as part of the Business Support for Co-ops programme.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the difference that co-operative businesses can make across communities in Exeter with support from the programme.”
Find out about co-operatives
People across Exeter can find out about co-operatives at a free event (in partnership with South West Co‑operative Development and the University of Exeter Business School) on Tuesday, March 19, from 2pm to 5pm.
The 'Discover Co-ops' events are an informative and interactive opportunity to understand co-operatives and their benefits.
They will also detail the next steps for setting one up and the support on offer.
Exeter champions co-operatives
Many co-operatives are already having a positive impact on lives and communities across Exeter:
Exeter Community Energy aims to bring together people who are passionate about a sustainable future, who care about climate change and the depletion of resources, and who want to reduce fuel bills, promote energy efficiency and address fuel poverty.
Exeter Growers Co-operative owns five acres of organic land on the south-west edge of Exeter, near Shillingford. It strives to promote understanding, enjoyment and sustainable use of the land, especially through organic food production.
Why co-ops matter
More than 7,500 independent co-operative businesses are operating across the UK.*
From football clubs to financial services, co-operatives operate in all sectors and contribute over £40 billion to the economy every year.
They play an important role in creating and retaining wealth locally while providing fairer conditions and opportunities for everyone involved, as well as empowering people in their working lives.
Discover co-ops
Want to start a fair and ethical business in Exeter? Access FREE:
- Business support**
- Events and webinars
- Resources
And much more... Visit www.uk.coop/discover to find out more and get started.
* Data taken from the 'Co-operative and Mutual Economy 2023' report published by Co-operatives UK.
** Subject to a small commitment fee. The fee has proven to be the best approach to ensure the support is allocated to projects that are committed to participating in the programme. The money generated from fees is reinvested into future support provision.
