Workshop: Is starting a co‑op right for you? Newton, Powys

In Wales and thinking of starting a business? Or looking for a different approach to your existing business or community venture? Do you want it to be inclusive, democratic and empowering for everyone involved? Yes? 

Cwmpas has teamed up with Co-operatives UK to deliver this FREE Is starting a co‑op right for you? workshop on Tuesday 12 March at Hafan Yr Afon in Newtown, Powys.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of co‑ops as successful, values‑based businesses as well as their purpose and benefits. Find out if your business or community enterprise idea suits the co‑op model. 

Completely FREE to attend, this workshop is part of the Business Support for Co‑ops programme, which offers up to six days’ expert support to new and existing co‑ops, delivered with support from The Co‑operative Bank.

Why co‑ops?

All kinds of businesses operate as co‑ops – pubs, energy suppliers, taxi firms, bookstores, community gardens, wine sellers, farms, sports clubs and much more. 

They are run by their members, who can be customers, employees, residents or suppliers – and who have a say in how the co-op is run, making it a fairer, more collaborative and democratic way of doing business. 

Co-ops are also resilient as a business model. They are more than twice as likely to survive the early years of trading when compared to other start-up businesses. 

What to expect  

Rachael Hobbs, Social Impact Consultant at Cwmpas, will lead the workshop. People from nearby co‑operatives will also share their experiences of starting and running a co‑op. 

This informative, interactive and fun session will give you a more in‑depth understanding of co‑operatives, as well as the next steps for starting one. 

Who should attend?

Anyone keen to learn more about co-operatives, this includes:

• People and groups looking to start-up a business
• New start-ups and young businesses
• Existing businesses wanting to give employees more control and ownership
• Community enterprises wanting to give the community more control and ownership
• Businesses considering an employee buy-out or a more ethical model
• Anyone wanting to learn more about co-ops: business advisors, local authorities, community leaders, voluntary sector support agencies, etc

The details 

• Date: Tuesday 12 March 2024
• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Place: Hafan Yr Afon, Back Lane, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2NH

Join us 

To sign up for the workshop, follow the BOOK HERE link, fill in the form – and we’ll see you in Newtown! Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!  

Can’t make it? We are running workshops in partnership with co‑op experts throughout the country, including sessions with Cwympas in Cardiff and another in North Wales (location and date TBC). Keep and eye on the Discover Co‑ops page to see if there’s another session at a time and location to suit you.

This event is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Powys County Council. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Find out more.

By signing up to this event you agree to being contacted by Co‑operatives UK and the delivery organisation about this workshop.