National Assembly Sign Pledge as Enterprise Hub Launches in Wales

The Co-operative Enterprise Hub received backing from the highest level yesterday as it launched in Wales. Assembly Members at the Senedd signed a giant pledge supporting the Hub's launch in the country having already proved successful elsewhere in the UK.

The Hub - a £5 million investment in the sector by The Co-operative Group, the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operative with 5.3 million members - offers a free, easily accessible and relevant support service tailored to the needs of new and existing co-operators.

In Wales it will be delivered by the Wales Co-operative Centre in partnership with a consortia of co-operative development specialists.

Speaking at the launch, Social Justice and Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant said: “I welcome this considerable package of support that will develop and strengthen co-operatives and social enterprises across Wales.

“Co-operatives fortnight has highlighted Wales’ many thriving Social Enterprises as well as the Welsh Assembly Government’s innovative policies and initiatives which support them. Such support is more important than ever as we look to rebuild our economy and search for fairer, flexible and more sustainable ways of doing business. In my view, ‘There is an alternative’ is a particularly apt theme for this co-operative fortnight.”

The event was hosted by Lorraine Barrett AM who is chair of Labour-Co-op Party Members Group. Angela Davies, Co-operative Development manager at The Co-operative Group, said: “Entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for an alternative approach to business to inspire changes to the way organisations and services are run.

“Following the financial crisis, people have opened their eyes to the co-operative business model to see its merits as a modern, effective and relevant way of doing business.

“It’s no coincidence that co-operating is increasingly being championed as a sustainable solution to the challenges facing the UK economy - the co-operative business model has, without doubt, an exciting part to play in fostering future UK businesses.”

Simon Harris, Chief Executive of the Wales Co-operative Centre added: “We are delighted to be able to offer the Enterprise Hub, which means there will be a package of support open to co-operatives throughout Wales.” Business support for co-operatives and social enterprises in Wales is currently offered through the Centre to convergence areas and funded through the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Assembly Government.

For further information about The Co-operative Enterprise Hub and its package of advice, training and finance to help new and existing co-operatives become more sustainable businesses, visit The Co-operative Enterprise Hub or telephone Angela Davies - The Co-operative Group’s Co-operative Development Manager - on 0161 246 3020.