Cooperatives are members-owned organisations offering small businesses an attractive alternative to traditional structures. They combine democratic decision-making, resilience, and community impact with financial benefits, and are gaining increased interest as part of a wider shift towards alternative business models.
There are now more than 16 million cooperative members across the UK, equivalent to more than a fifth of the UK population. Members can be customers, employees, residents, or suppliers.
Find out more about the benefits of a cooperative for small business owners thinking of transitioning to a coop model, and how to grow and communicate your impact if you’re already part of a coop.