Across the region there are hundreds of co-operative and mutual businesses, ranging from those with a national presence such as large building societies and The Co-operative Group - including the Co-operative Bank - to small local enterprises, owned by workers, consumers or the wider community. They are supported by organisations providing specialist business advice to existing co-operatives or those wishing to start up new co-operative and community enterprises.

Building a strong, distinctive and unified co-operative sector in the South West

Co-ops and mutuals are active in a variety of sectors, including food and drink, agriculture and rural development, travel and financial services, with a collective turnover of over £2.3 billion in the South West alone.  There are 356 enterprises, employing 13,500 workers. They offer goods and services in arts and design, IT, sports and leisure, catering, housing and education, recycling and waste collection and many more areas.

This site explains what makes co-ops and mutuals different from other businesses - or even other social enterprises.  You can read or download our leaflet on the co-operative economy in the South West (PDF) for further information - you'll probably be surprised at the strength, breadth and influence of the co-operative sector.  You can locate individual co-operatives in the South West and what they have to offer you, and read our latest newsletter on-line (PDF). Most of all, if you are a co-operative, get in touch and find out how you can get involved!

Tel: 01752 822261 Email: info@cooperatives-sw.coop