top of page

Our Recent Posts

Tags

It’s Co-op Fortnight!

From 21st June to 4th July is Co-op Fortnight, 2 weeks to celebrate co-ops across the world. We’re taking a step back to look at some of the basics of what a co-op is, how they work and how we can all benefit from being part of a co-op.



What is a co-op?


A co-op is a business or organisation that’s owned and controlled by its members, to meet their shared needs. The members can be its customers, employees, residents or suppliers, who have a say in how the co-op is run.


Village Greens was founded in 2014 with investment from over 400 members in and around Prestwich. These funds were used to set up a local, ethical shop to serve the local community with fresh organic produce. A huge amount of work went into building our co-op based around the shared principles and values of all co-ops around the world.


Shared Principles


1. A co-op is owned and controlled by its members. It exists for the benefit of its members, who may be customers, workers, suppliers or the wider community.

2. A co-op is democratic – this means every member has an equal say in how it’s run and how profits are used.

3. Every member contributes financially in some way – from buying products, working for the co-op, investing in it or deciding how to spend its profits.

4. A co-op is an independent business, owned and controlled by its members.

5. It offers education and training to everyone involved, so they can develop the co-op and promote the benefits of co-operation.

6. It co-operates, works with and supports other co-ops.

7. A co-op supports the communities it works with.


The Co-operative Values


1. Caring for others

2. Democracy

3. Equity

4. Equality

5. Honesty

6. Openness

7. Self help

8. Self responsibility

9. Solidarity

10. Social responsibility


Different Types of Co-op


There’s loads of different types of co-ops which can be found all across the country and it’s worth knowing that together they contribute over £38 billion to the UK economy! They can be worker controlled, producer owned, customer owned or multi stakeholder owned. Village Greens is a community owned co-operative, which basically means lots of members invested financially in a share of our co-op. So everyone who invested owns their little part of Village Greens and has their say as to how its run and benefits from being part of a growing local business with community values at its heart.


Join a Co-op


The theme of Co-op Fortnight this year is Join a Co-op. So if you are interested in finding out more about Village Greens and becoming a member then drop us an email for more information members@village-greens-coop.co.uk





All info re co-ops taken from Cooperatives UK website: Co-operatives UK




Kommentare


bottom of page