Co-op Forum

The co-op forum is a new initiative that aims to hold at least three events per year. Co-operative businesses are thriving in and around Bristol with around 80 co-ops of varying shapes and sizes trading in the area. It is perhaps surprising that this set of businesses committed to "co-operation amongst co-operatives" and the principles of mutual aid have not had a central "forum" to trade ideas, network or form alliances. After all, the voluntary sector and local government are awash with "forums". In order to address the apparent gap the CDA has set about supporting the development of a Co-op Forum with backing from Bristol City Council.

Membership is open to

• local co-ops
• individual as members of local co-ops
• and individuals involved in co-operative development or lobbying (e.g. Co-op Party, CDA etc)

The Co-op forum is currently being facilitated by the CDA.

Events

Events to date have included:

• A launch party held in April 2002 on Il Bordello - John Goodman of Co-operatives UK, based in Manchester, joined us
• Community Dividend Fund information session held in January 2003 at the Cube Cinema - Elin Horgan, Co-operative Affairs Officer of the Co-op Group, presented details of the fund and encouraged Co-operatives both start-up and existing to apply.
• Phone Co-operative information session held in March 2003 at the Cube Cinema - Frances Vines of the Phone Co-op presented the benefits of their services
• Co-op'Arty held in April 2003 at the Cube Cinema - an evening showcasing the work of several local arts co-ops including the launch of the Funkea website.
• A "Finance and Funding" event attended by speakers from Triodos Bank, ABCF (the local loan fund), The Co-op Group (Community Dividend fund) and Greater Bristol foundation (Social Enterprise Business Development Fund) and also The Phone Co-op..

Forthcoming events:

• Commission on Co-operative and Mutual Housing event, Monday 06 April 2009. Full details here.

How to join

If you are interested in joining the Co-op Forum then please contact the CDA.

There are three categories of membership:

• Local co-ops
• Individuals who are members of local co-ops
• Individuals involved in co-operative development or lobbying

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