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Cooperatives UK was launched in January 2003 when the Co‑operative Union, the Industrial and Common Ownership Movement (ICOM), and the United Kingdom Co‑operative Council (UKCC) were brought together in a single organisation.

Co‑operatives UK is itself an independent and autonomous co‑operative organisation, owned and democratically controlled by its members, but the work that we do benefits all co‑operative enterprises in the United Kingdom. We also work closely with the independent co‑operative networks throughout the UK - visit our Regions and Nations miniweb for more information.

Co‑operatives UK work towards the creation of an increasingly sucessful and sustainable
co‑operative economy by promoting the interests of co‑operatives, increasing awareness and understanding of co‑operative values and principles, and supporting the growth and development of new and existing co‑operatives.

Co‑operatives UK have a diverse and growing membership comprising co‑operative and mutual enterprises in all sectors of the economy, federations and associations that represent distinct co‑operative sectors, and organisations that the start up and development of new co‑operative and mutual enterprises.

As the ideals of Co‑operation started to take hold in the UK, the early co‑operators realised they needed a central body for the Movement to form around.

They formed the Co‑operative Union in 1869, charging it with spreading the ideals of co‑operation throughout the world and engaging with Government to ensure that Movement would thrive. Though its fortunes changed as time went by, the Co‑operative Union carried out those same functions for over 100 years.

The idea of a Union for Co‑operatives and what it should do lives on in Co‑operativesUK.

In its early year The Co‑operative Union lacked a permanent home but, following the death of co‑operative activist and historian George Jacob Holyoake, the Movement decided to rectify this oversight. Following donations from co‑operative societies, Holyoake House was opened in 1911 and became the Union's central office for the rest of its life. Holyoake House is now the home of Co‑operativesUK.

Dame Pauline Green became the Co‑operative Union's latest and last Chief Executive on New Year's day 2000. She was charged by the Co‑operative Union's Board with forging stronger links throughout the Movement and with bringing together The Co‑operative Union the Industrial Common Ownership Movement and The United Kingdom Co‑operative Council in a single organisation - a task that led to the eventual rebranding of the new organisation as Co‑operativesUK.

Co‑operative and mutual enterprises make a significant contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of the United Kingdom. Of course we believe this to be true, but whilst it is easily said it is much harder to prove.

Until recently no one has taken responsibility for mapping and analysing our sector of the economy. Government certainly doesn't do it - nor should we expect it to.

In partnership with our federal members, Co‑operativesUK is committed to working towards an increasingly sucessful and sustainable co‑operative economy by promoting and developing
co‑operative enterprise. To do this we need to know ourselves and tell others about us.

The Co‑operative College
Corporate information, Training

The Co‑operative College was established in 1919 as an adult and staff training centre for the co‑operative movement.

Whilst headquartered in Holyoake House in Manchester (the home of Co‑operativesUK) the Co‑operative College provides learning, education, training, consultancy and research services for the co‑operative, social enterprise and mutual sectors across the UK and internationally. It offers tailored workshops and qualifications for members, directors, staff and managers of co‑operatives, social enterprise and mutual organisations.

The College also works outside of the co‑operative movement with schools, young people and public bodies, raising awareness of the difference co‑operatives and co‑operative values can make to individuals and their communities.

Hope You find this information informative.

Kind Regards,
Ruturaj Patil
Member- The Cooperative Group,UK