VOICE10: £5m support programme for co-ops launched

A £5m programme to develop co-ops across the UK has been launched by The Co-operative Group.

The cash will fund Co-operative Enterprise Hubs, which will provide support, training and advice for new and existing co-ops.

The launch at Voice10 in Cardiff yesterday followed a successful pilot and is a 'serious commitment' to co-ops, according to The Co-operative Group.

Michael Fairclough, the group's head of community and campaigns, said the public had 'awoken' to the co-operative model during the economic downturn.

'Highly successful co-operative businesses operate across every sector of our economy and in practically every country across the world and yet here in the UK they are still viewed as being outside of the business mainstream,' he said.

'We, together with policy makers, have a responsibility to spread the message about co-operatives and help them realise their potential.

'The Co-operative Enterprise Hubs will launch across the UK and demonstrates our commitment to the sector. By pledging £5m over the next three years we will help address the challenges facing UK businesses and the economy.'

The programme also includes up to four days of free business advice for co-ops, which would help businesses find further support and funding.

'By improving the support available and through the creation and growth of sustainable co-operative enterprises, we will energise and build a thriving co-operative sector,' Fairclough said.

To find out more about The Co-operative Enterprise Hub, visit www.co-operative.coop/enterprisehub or call Angela Davies, co-operative development manager, on 0161 246 3020.