Cooperatives NorthWest

Co-operatives North West is the regional network of co-operative enterprise in the North West of England. Over 350 co-operatives make a substantial contribution to the region's economic and social life, with turnover of £2,104 million and 15,000 jobs. Co-operatives North West vision is to promote, develop and sustain a thriving regional co-operative economy and community.

Objectives of Co-operatives North West

Co-operatives North West has 5 objectives, of which Objectives 3 and 4 are of the highest priority.

• 1. Raise the profile of co-op and mutual sector
• 2. Represent the interests of co-ops and mutuals
• 3. Encourage mutual support, inter-trading and networking
• 4. Share best practice, training and development opportunities between co-ops and mutuals
• 5. Strengthen co-op and mutual endeavour by lobbying and working with local, regional and national organisations 

Core Activities

• Annual conference and General Meeting
• Quarterly Board meetings
• Events including Principle 6 networking
• Regular and members-only newsletters
• Member recruitment, retention and promotion
• Up to date directory and database
• Responding to enquiries
• Work with the Co-operative Enterprise Hub’s ‘Advice & Training’ programme
• Work with Co-operatives UK & Regional Co-operative Councils

Constitution

Co-operatives North West Limited is an independent organisation with a democratically elected board from member businesses and organisations with a responsibility to represent and promote the sector.

The Board, which is elected at the Annual General Meeting, meets regularly to determine the strategy and activities of the Regional Co-operative Council. The Board is made up from diverse constituents including retail co-operatives, worker co-operatives, financial and housing co-operatives, and co-operative development organisations.

Board members

• Ann-Marie Wrigley (Chair): New Era Enterprises
• Gareth Nash (Treasurer): Co-operative and Mutual Solutions
• Andrew Jessop (Secretary): Rochdale Social Enterprise and Co-operative Forum
• Jo Bird: Co-operative Business Consultants
• Jacqui Forster: Supporters Direct
• Phil Frampton: FC United of Manchester
• Sylvia Howarth: UK Society for Co-operative Studies
• Micheal J Kaye: software.coop
• Bill Knowles: Secod
• John McGuigan: North West Housing Services
• Peggy Mulongo: Maracuja
• Tim Ormrod: the Co-operative Group
• Mike Taylor: Health and Wellbeing Co-op
• Dawn Vear: UK Credit Unions Ltd

Co-operatives North West would like to develop activities in the following areas, subject to resources.

Development areas
 

• Be in a position to respond to opportunities
• Local Enterprise Partnerships
• Regional Growth Fund programmes
• Partnership with Social Enterprise North West
• Mentoring service
• Joint membership offer with CUK
• Co-operatives North West Board growth and development

Funding Partners

Co-operatives North West has contracts with the Co-operative Enterprise Hub (financed by the Co-operative Group) and Social Enterprise North West (financed by the North West Development Agency). Co-operatives UK provides non-financial assistance including branding, database access, sharing of information, co-ordination meetings with other Regional Co-operative Councils etc.

The Co-operative Enterprise Hub helps to support and develop new and existing co-operative enterprises. Its aim is to grow the co-operative economy, creating strong ethically-led businesses with a deep sense of social responsibility. For more information please visit www.co-operative.coop/enterprisehub