Co-operative Hub Launched
15 March 2011
A Co-operative Enterprise Hub, a business support service dedicated to the creation and growth of member-owned enterprises, has been launched in Glasgow.
The Hub - a £7.5 million investment in the sector by The Co-operative Group, the world's largest consumer co-operative with six million members - will offer advice, training and consultancy to Scottish communities rediscovering the benefits of self-help and mutual ownership.
The Hub aims to support "a co-operative a day" throughout 2011 as the business model enjoys a renaissance.
Peter Marks, group chief executive of The Co-operative, said: "We are seeing more and more people setting-up, running and growing member-owned enterprises as consumers take ownership into their own hands and have a say in the running of businesses and services that meet the demands of local communities.
"Contributing to a more balanced and sustainable economy, the co-operative business model is again seen as a modern, effective and relevant approach to business and has, without doubt, an exciting part to play in fostering future enterprise."
The Co-operative Groups is partnering with existing providers whose services the Hub will complement - Co-operative Development Scotland and the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society.
The Co-operative Enterprise Hub operates through a central website with a network of local co-operative development experts providing dedicated advice, training and guidance - including up to four days free business consultancy - on how to set up, run and grow sustainable co-operative enterprises.
Find out more information about The Co-operative Enterprise Hub, including how to set up a co-operative enterprise and the support, advice and finance available to new and existing co-operative businesses. You can also send an email.
