24 September 2008

Event listing for Co-operatives

Co-operativesUK has created an events calender for co-operatives in the UK. This website is in its consultation phase at the moment so do give us feedback.

Check it out here.

19 September 2008

Worker Co-operatives facebook group

A facebook group for worker co-operatives has been created, and should be the first item in the search list, or click here.

Please join if you are interested in worker co-operatives and would like to get involved in the community.

edit: added link

Film showing of "The Take" in Manchester

The Manchester Film Co-operative will be showing Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein’s inspirational documentary "The Take" on the 23rd of September.

£2 entry to the film; starts at 7.45 and will be followed by discussion and drinks. Click here for the link




Enterprise Week

Enterprise Week takes place from 17-23 November 2008. It's a national celebration of enterprise where thousands of activities are run across the UK to encourage people to unlock their enterprising talent.

Co-operatives have often been involved in Enterprise Week - opening their doors to the public, clients and customers, holding tasting sessions or inviting schools to learn about ethical business for example.

This year Co-operatives UK is inviting as as many worker co-operatives as possible to celebrate Enterprise Week - imagine if worker co-operatives all over the UK held events that promoted both their business and the co-operative way of working!

Check out ideas for enterprise week and how you can get involved here.

17 September 2008

Training for worker co-operatives

I have been involved in organising training for worker co-operatives in partnership with the Co-operative College.

Following the success of the events that were piloted last year, and the recent launch of the elearning resource about the wider movement, we are now able to offer two further training events that are heavily subsidised by the Co-operative Fund. The training cost will be £50 to Co-operatives UK Members, £100 for non-members.

Venue 1: SUMA – Halifax, 6 October 2008
Venue 2: CDA – Bristol, 5 November 2008

Worker Co-operatives and their Co-operative Identity will explore the centrality of our co-operative identity and our co-operative values and principles to modern co-operative businesses and examine how they can give worker co-operatives a clear advantage in the market place.

If you are interested please get in touch.

12 September 2008

Member visits in London

I have just got back from London where I attended the Co-operative Party Conference on the 11th September and visited two worker's co-operatives.

Cycle Training UK - Are a cycle training provider in the London area offering a high quality and ethically driven cycle proficiency and maintenance training. Cycle Training are 10 years old this year and employee 40 members.
www.cycletraining.co.uk

Art Zone Co-operative - Are an art's, media and design worker co-operative that have been operating since 1993 with 3 members.
www.artzone.org.uk