Wider movement

what is a co-operative?

A co-operative is a group of people acting together to meet the common needs and aspirations of its members, sharing ownership and making decisions democratically.

Co-operatives are not about making big profits for shareholders, but creating value for customers – this is what gives co-operatives a unique character, and influences our values and principles.

a world of co-operatives

There are many co-operative businesses throughout the world, of which The Co-operative Group is the largest consumer co-operative.

We are a group of businesses that share the same values and principles. Whether it’s the environment, animal rights, fair trade or genetically modified food, we want to make sure you can do business with us without worrying about where your money is going.

There are many other types of co-operative such as housing, building, retailer, utility, worker, credit unions, social, consumer, agricultural and political, amongst others.

For more information about The Co-operative Movement in the UK including how to set up a co‑operative, visit www.co-operatives-uk.coop (link opens in new window).

For more information on the International Co-operative Movement, visit the website of the International Co-operative Alliance at www.ica.coop (link opens in new window).

There are many other co-operative societies within the wider movement

If you are looking for your nearest Co-op shop or branch try the Co-op directory - it contains a list of not just Co-operative Group businesses but many other Co-ops in the UK. It can also be used to investigate worker co-ops, agricultural co-ops, credit unions, consumer co-ops, marketing co-ops and others. Its content may not necessarily represent the views of the Co-operative Group.

Useful websites

We've collated a list of useful websites relating to the wider co-operative movement

Co-op Related Sites

Co-operative Congress
Co-opnet
Co-operative Retail Trading Group

CRTG - Some areas of this site have restricted access.

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Wider movement

what is a co-operative?

a world of co-operatives

Useful websites

Co-op Related Sites

UK Consumer Co-ops

Agricultural Co-ops

Worker Co-ops

International Consumer Co-ops

National Bodies

International Bodies

Co-operative Education

Co-op Development

Worker Co-op Associations

Credit Union Associations

Co-op Publications

Co-op Organisations

the Co-operative Group Businesses/Services

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