Co-operative Support Bodies (CDBs) offer advice and support to new and existing co-operatives and those interested in setting them up in the South West. For more information please contact the agency active in your area - see below.
A consortium of these CDBs was formed in 2009 called South West Co-operative Support (SWCS), to deliver training and advice throughout the region supported by the Co-operative Enterprise Hub (CEH). SWCS member organisations are listed below and Co-operative Enterprise Hub advisers and consultants are also listed on the CEH website.
- CDA (BRAVE Ltd.), formerly Avon CDA (covering Bristol and former Avon Council area)
- Co-operative Futures (covering Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, and Oxfordshire in the South East)
- Co-operative Assistance Network (a workers' co-op based in Bristol, and also providing some services in Dorset)
- The Fruit Tree (covering Devon)
- Somerset Co-operative Services formerly Upstart (a workers' co-op based in Somerset)
- Social Economy & Co-operative Development Cornwall trading as Kabin (a workers' co-op based in Cornwall)
If you're a co-operative or want to pursue the co-operative model of business you can apply for free advice and training from The Co-operative Enterprise Hub. Click here for an application form.
If you are already part of a co-operative business and think you or your colleagues would benefit from some regional training on what it means to be a co-operative, please take part in our 5-question survey to help us meet your needs.