A co-operative is an easy way for two or more people to go into business together. The way co-operatives are set up means that personal financial risks can be reduced.
In a co-operative everyone who comes to work for the business, and remains with it, is given a say in how the firm is run and a share in the profits and ownership. We can help you set up a new co-operative in any sector by providing:
- tailored business counselling
- advice with business planning
- design of legal structures
- documentation assistance with accessing finance
- help with finding premises, equipment and identifying suppliers information services.
Existing co-operatives
We can continue to support co-operatives and other employee owned businesses once they start trading, helping them to strengthen their business and achieve long-term survival. Co-operatives are not left to sink or swim once they start trading. They are offered expert support as their businesses grow, enter new markets, experience difficulties or identify training needs.
- Health checks can be carried out to provide an overview of how the business is performing and where it is heading.
- Business information can be provided including company searches, on-line information, reference texts, journals, and videos.
- Small businesses that adopt a co-operative structure are twice as likely to survive the critical first three years compared to sole traders or partnerships.
Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Co-operative Council (YHRCC)
C/o Alan Gill
Leeds Co-operative Society Ltd
Benyon House
Ring Road
Middleton
Leeds LS10 4AA