Cooperatives NorthWest

Local Economic Partnerships would be strengthened by co-operative businesses. Co-operatives are member owned, democratic businesses operating in almost every sector of the economy. Co-operative businesses help economies to be stronger, more diverse and robust.

During the current economic downturn, the co-operative sector has seen substantial and consistent growth. There are 5,000 co-operative businesses in the UK providing direct employment to 205,000 people. Combined turnover last year was £33.5 billion, up from £28.9 billion in 2008 – the North West region contributing £2.2 billion to the 2009 total. (Source: 2010 Co-operative Review, published by Co-operatives UK.) The coalition government sees co-operative businesses as a key partner in economic recovery and growth stating in its agreement: “We will support the creation and expansion of mutuals, co-operatives, charities and social enterprises.” It follows that any Local Economic Partnership with representation from the co-operative sector will make a stronger case for support from government.

Unfortunately, none of the region’s potential Local Economic Partnerships have representation from co-operative businesses. Co-operatives North West would like to help rectify this oversight. Key case studies of co-operatives and a comprehensive list of co-operative businesses in each area are available using the following links.
www.cooperatives-nw.coop/documents/co-operative-businesses-greater-manchester
www.cooperatives-nw.coop/documents/co-operative-businesses-merseyside
www.cooperatives-nw.coop/documents/co-operative-businesses-lancashire
www.cooperatives-nw.coop/documents/co-operative-businesses-cheshire
www.cooperatives-nw.coop/documents/co-operative-businesses-cumbria

Please pass this news onto your contacts with chambers of commerce, local councillors, your MP, and senior managers within local authorities. Please do not hesitate to make contact with Co-operatives North West to explore these issues further.

Co-operatives North West is the representative body for co-operatives in the region. It is funded by trading income, the Co-operative Enterprise Hub and Social Enterprise North West.