Co-operatives UK

Co-operatives UK is a British co-operative federation described as "the central membership organisation for co-operative enterprise throughout the UK". It was founded in 1870 as the Co-operative Central Board, changing its name to the Co-operative Union before finally becoming Co-operatives UK following its merger with the Industrial Common Ownership Movement (ICOM) in 2001. Historically associated with the consumer co-operatives, the merger broadened its scope to include worker co-operatives and it now exists to support and promote the values of the entire co-operative movement throughout the UK.

Co-operatives UK Limited
Formerly
  • Co-operative Central Board
  • Co-operative Union
  • Industrial Common Ownership Movement (ICOM)
Company typeCo-operative Federation
IndustryTrade association
FoundedManchester (1889 (1889))
HeadquartersHolyoake House, Hanover Street, Manchester
Area served
United Kingdom
Key people
Rose Marley (CEO)
Members700+
Number of employees
31
Websiteuk.coop

During its history, it has been responsible for the organisation of the Co-operative Congresses, the establishment of both Co-operative Commissions and the creation of the Co-operative College and the Co-operative Party. The head office, Holyoake House in Manchester, is a Grade II listed building, and was built in 1911 in memory of the co-operative activist George Jacob Holyoake.

Membership of Co-operatives UK includes organisations as diverse as the Woodcraft Folk, Suma Wholefoods and the Co-operative Group. It is controlled by a board elected by its membership, is a member of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), the trustee of the Co-operative College, and retains a nominated seat on the National Executive Committee of the Co-operative Party.

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