One of the benefits of being a part of the Co-operative Commonwealth is the support that co-operatives can and do provide to each other; here are some of the co-operatives and other organisations that exist to help co-operatives, with an introduction to each derived from their websites:
Co-operative Trade and Mutual Support Associations:
Co-operative Development Agencies and Groups:
Other Useful Contacts:
Adrian Ashton
Adrian headed up Cambridge CDA, which became a leading Co-operative Development Body, gaining recognition for his insight, skill and knowledge in supporting various co-operative enterprises from regional and national bodies. He works developing and delivering national projects that are further strengthening the co-operative movement, and is currently an associate Tutor to the Co-operative College. As an unofficial mentor, Adrian is always happy to chat by phone, email or over lunch.
Phone: 07786 492313. E-mail: adrian_ashton2@yahoo.co.uk. Website: www.adrianashton.co.uk and http://thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com
Co-operative and Mutual Solutions
Co-operative and Mutual Solutions (CMS) is an employee owned business providing specialist consultancy to co-operatives and social enterprises. CMS’s three consultant Directors have over thirty years of combined experience developing co-operatives and social enterprises. CMS delivers services mainly in the North West of England.
Address: 7 Cecil Street, Lytham, Lancashire FY8 5NN. Phone: 07967 815321. E-mail: gareth[at]cms.coop. Website: www.cms.coop
Co-operative Business Consultants
CBC aim to promote democratic and participative management methods and techniques within the wider co-operative sector. Bob Cannell, Jo Bird and Kevin McGrother advise all kinds of co-operatives at all stages of development. CBC members are based in Bradford, Manchester and Hartlepool and can travel across the North of England to meet with you. Your first hour of phone advice is always free.
Phone: 0797 007 5704. E-mail: bob[at]cbc.coop. Website: www.cbc.coop
Energy 4 All
Support for new or existing renewable energy co-ops such as Baywind.
Address: Unit 33, Trinity Enterprise Centre, Furness Business Park, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria LA14 2PN. Phone: 01229 821028
English Food and Farming Partnerships
EFFP support farmer controlled businesses. Contact David Hall DHall@effp.co.uk
North West Housing Services
North West Housing Services is dedicated to providing ethical, professional services to housing co-operatives, small social landlords and leaseholders, including committee administration, leasehold management, performance reporting and housing management functions.
Address: 19 Devonshire Road, Liverpool L8 3TX. Phone: 0151 726 2200. E-mail: syed.maqsood[at]nwhousing.org.uk. Website: www.nwhousing.org.uk
Social Enterprise and Co-operative Development
Secod provides high-quality support services and solutions to community and social enterprises and co-operatives across the North of England. Secod is passionate about: facilitating groups to develop social enterprises and co-operatives; helping organisations to build their capacity and make a real difference; supporting social and environmental justice.
Address: Wallsend House, The Old Rectory, Church Lane, Bowness on Solway, Cumbria CA7 5AF. Phone: 01697 351010. E-mail: info[at]secod.coop. Website: www.secod.org.uk
