Local co-operatives

Pages providing a listing of co-operatives grouped by trade sector.

The "Directory of Local Co-operatives and Social Enterprises" is also available as a pdf file (800 Kb) by following this link.

Co-operatives UK has a searchable national listing of co-operatives online at www.uk.coop.

If the drop down menu does not appear browse by category here

If the drop down meu does not appear browse the A to Z list here

MEDIA & PERFORMANCE

ARTSPACELIFESPACE

View full listing under ART & DESIGN

BATH FRINGE LTD

View full listing under LEISURE

BRISTOL BROADBAND CO-OPERATIVE

A community internet radio service run by members and volunteers. We aim to achieve a genuine Bristol output in local news, local bands and local issues while also covering national and world news. Come along to a live show and make a contribution or prerecord a piece and send it to us. Lots of opportunities for aspiring radio producers, journalists and technicians with the possibility of becoming a member of the co-op. The live show is broadcast via the internet and also on B.C.FM. If you have any questions or just want more information, please get in touch.
Contact: Tony Gosling, 10-12 Picton Street, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5QA Tel: 0117 944 6219

BRISTOL FOLK HOUSE CO-OPERATIVE LTD

View full listing under LEARNING

BRISTOL WIRELESS

Bristol Wireless is a community co-operative set up to develop a free-to-access broadband network with the emphasis on supplying ICT (Information and Communication technologies) that are relevant, permanent and affordable to communities that find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. It sets out first and foremost to provide a local, high-speed wireless computer network to serve the immediate community and allow access to a high speed Internet connection for information and entertainment. Bristol Wireless seeks to create a digital environment built by local people for local people. We have grant funded projects running across Bristol to supply people with free internet access through our network. Our product range includes broadband, open source migration for businesses and community groups, computer supply, VoIP consultation and Linux telephone support. We offer recycled computers for just £50. The machines are Internet-ready allowing you surf the web safely without having to worry about viruses or spyware. Chat online using messaging software for MSN, Yahoo Chat and many others. Complete word processing and spreadsheets package, read and write all documents or spreadsheets formats. Powerful graphic design packages, which can be use to re-touch or crop images. Ideal for kids: contains several entertaining and educational games and parental control internet content filtering software.
Contact: Sam Rossitor, Bristol Wireless, Room 5, St Werburghs Centre Horley Rd, Bristol, BS2 9TJ Tel: 0117 3250067
email: info@bristolwireless.net
website: www.bristolwireless.net

CO-OPPORTUNITY LTD

View full listing under HELP FOR CO-OPERATIVES

SIT TIGHT RECORDS

An independent record label releasing hip hop and black music since 2001. The label is based in Bristol and has strong links to London. Contact Sit Tight Records with Demos. Director Patrick Sheridan is happy to offer advice about the music industry as he knows it. Sit Tight Records has strong links to the club world in Bristol.
Contact: Patrick Sheridan, 60 Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1QF Tel: 01173042390
email: info@sittightrecords.co.uk
website: www.sittightrecords.co.uk

THE CUBE

The Cube has been open since Oct 98 as an independent cinema and alternative art space hosting a selection of current art house releases, repertory films and special events such as innovative and interactive multi-media events. The cinema seats 105 and has a licensed bar. As a community based cinema we provide resources and exhibition to filmmakers, scriptwriters and animators as well as hire the venue to charities, special interest film, music and arts groups. We will sometimes consider corporate bookings. The Cube is run as a co-operative by volunteers, with a core team of 10 to 25 workers.
Contact: Co-op Members, 4 Princess Row, Bristol, BS2 8NQ Tel: 0117 907 4190
email: cubeadmin@microplex.cubecinema.com
website: www.cubecinema.com

TURO TECHNOLOGY LLP

View full listing under BUSINESS SERVICES

MONEY

AVON & BRISTOL CO-OPERATIVE FINANCE LTD (ABCF)

View full listing under HELP FOR CO-OPERATIVES

BRISTOL CITY CREDIT UNION LIMITED

Provides fair financial services for everyone in Bristol. They offer local, ethical savings accounts and affordable ways to borrow, along with benefits/wages accounts bill payments/budgeting and insurance. Current accounts will be available from November 2008. Also Child Trust Fund accounts, junior savers and much more. Join today for their friendly service and take control of your money with your premier local financial services co-operative.
Contact: BRISTOL CITY CREDIT UNION LIMITED, 112 Cheltenham Road, Bristol, BS6 5RW Tel: 0117 9247309
email: info@bristolcreditunion.org.uk
website: www.bristolcreditunion.org

BRISTOL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND LTD

Provision of start-up and expansion loans for small businesses. Applicants must live or have their business within the area covered by the former County of Avon. Fixed-term loans are provided up to £7,500 for business start-ups and £15,000 for existing businesses that have been established for a minimum of 12 months and are able to produce trading accounts for 12 months.
Contact: Andrew Arthur/ Sarah Osborn, Unit 3, The Coach House, 2 Upper York Street, Bristol, BS2 8QN Tel: 0117 944 4700
email: info@bedf.co.uk
website: www.bedf.co.uk

CO-OPERATIVE AND COMMUNITY FINANCE

View full listing under HELP FOR CO-OPERATIVES

THE CO-OP BANK

THE CO-OPERATIVE BANK’S purpose to be a growing, pioneering financial service business, delivering benefits to customers, members and communities through commitment to value, fairness and social responsibility. Our vision is to be the UK’s most admired financial service business. The Bank has operated under a strict Ethical Policy for the last 15 years, and was the first UK financial institution to bring in such a policy. The Bank provides two accounts for social enterprises, Community Direct Plus and Co-operative Direct Plus. Both provide free banking, credit interest and a host of other benefits.
Contact: THE CO-OP BANK, PO Box 250, Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT Tel: 08457 215215
website: www.co-operativesdirectplus.coop

TRIODOS BANK NV

An ethical bank providing savings accounts for individuals and specialised banking facilities including loans, overdrafts, current accounts for charities, community groups, social businesses, environmental initiatives and investment banking services throughout the UK. Innovative approaches such as group guarantees and borrowing communities are used where appropriate. All Triodos loan projects are practical and well grounded initiatives dedicated to social aims that benefit the community, care for the environment and respect human freedom, helping to build a more sustainable future for all.
Contact: Sue Cooper, Brunel House, 11 The Promenade, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3NN Tel: 0117 9739339
email: sue.cooper@triodos.co.uk
website: www.triodos.co.uk

SHOPPING WITH A DIFFERENCE

AUTOQUIP

Autoquip provides car parts and accessories at competitive prices to the public and the trade with an hourly delivery service to the trade in Bristol, also 3 times daily service to trade in the Chew Valley area on the outskirts of Bristol. We provide services for the making of brake pipes, number plates, alarm fobs and the making up of paint whilst you wait (maybe longer at weekends and very busy periods). The staff have a collective service of approx 55 yrs, and are friendly and helpful with a good knowledge of past and present vehicle parts. We offer a discount scheme to fellow co-operative members, also to the trade and members of emergency services such as the fire brigade, police, ambulance and hospital staff.
Contact: Kevin Clay, 559 - 563 Fishponds Road , Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3AF Tel: 0117 958 5555
email: autoquip@aol.com
website: www.autoquip.uk.com

BATHFORD ENTERPRISE FOR ALL (BEFA) LTD

This community focused village shop stocks a range of value for money basics, plus a choice of organic and Fair trade produce and groceries. Food is sourced locally wherever possible. This is also a Fair trade coffee shop and local handmade cards, arts and crafts. Open 7 days a week, the shop is run by BEFA (Bathford Enterprise for All), a co-operative committed to supporting social enterprise activities which contribute towards sustaining the village community. Membership open to all at £10 a share.
Contact: Shop Manager, 54 Bathford Hill, Bathford, Bath, BA1 7SN Tel: 01225 859186

BISHOPSTON TRADING COMPANY

Bishopston Trading Company was set up in 1985 to create employment in the South Indian village of K.V. Kuppam and to strengthen the village’s long link with Bishopston in Bristol. Its four shops in Bristol, Glastonbury, Totnes and Bradford-on-Avon sell clothes for adults and children made exclusively to their designs from Fairtrade certified organic cotton. These are made by a team of 460 skilled tailors, weavers and hand finishers in K.V. Kuppam. The fabric range includes handloom, knitted cotton, denim, calico and, in autumn, velvet and corduroy, all of which is organic. There is an online shop and four mail order catalogues a year. Profits are used to benefit the people of K.V. Kuppam.
Contact: Carolyn Whitwell, 193 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8BG Tel: 0117 924 5598
email: info@bishopstontrading.co.uk
website: www.bishopstontrading.co.uk

BLAZE STUDIOS

View full listing under ART & DESIGN

CO-OP GROUP (CWS LTD)

The Co-operative Group is the UK’s largest consumer co-operative. We operate food stores, The Co-operative Bank, CIS, Travelcare, Funeralcare, Co-op Pharmacy and farms. We’re different because: • We have values and principles which underpin how we do business • We’re owned by our members who share in our profits and influence the decisions we make. Our social goals are as important as our commercial ones and our size and breadth gives a clear message that co-operatives can lead the way in business.
Contact: Andrew North, Regional Membership Team (South West) Limesfield, Broad Road, Dulford, Cullompton, EX15 2DY Tel: 01884 266892
email: membership.southwest@cooperative.coop
website: www.co-operative.coop

DK CO-OPERATIVE

View full listing under ART & DESIGN

FOOD FOR ALL - HARTCLIFFE FOOD CO-OPERATIVE

View full listing under FOOD, EATING & DRINKING

FOREST OF AVON WOOD PRODUCTS CO-OPERATIVE

View full listing under GOING GREEN

HARVEST NATURAL FOODS (BATH)

Bath’s famous vegetarian wholefood co-operative, opened in 1971 and since then has been supplying the West Country with an enormous range of guaranteed non-GM produce, from organic fruit, vegetables and dairy to environmentally-friendly nappies, gluten free foods and Organic wines and beers. The Bath shop features a vegetarian delicatessen with fresh rolls daily as well as quality olives, savories and cakes. Opening hours 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday.
Contact: Co-op Members, 37 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BN Tel: 01225 465519
email: info@harvest-bath.coop

HARVEST NATURAL FOODS (BRISTOL)

Harvest’s famous vegetarian wholefood co-operative opened in 1971 and since then has been supplying the West Country with an enormous range of guaranteed GM-free produce, from organic fruit, vegetables and dairy to gelfree nappies, gluten free foods and Organic wines, beers and spirits. The Bristol shop on Gloucester Road now features a vegetarian delicatessen with fresh rolls daily as well as quality olives, savories and cakes. Opening hours 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday.
Contact: Co-op Members, 11 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AA Tel: 0117 942 5997
email: info@harvest-bristol.coop

HERE SHOP

View full listing under ART & DESIGN

NEALS YARD REMEDIES (BATH) CO-OPERATIVE LTD

The only Neal’s Yard Remedies to be owned and operated as a co-operative was opened in 2001. The retail shop sells natural medicines, organic cosmetics, essential oils and books. The emphasis is on organically grown, good quality materials, a strong ethical policy ensures that the business runs true to its ideals. The well informed staff assist customers in purchasing natural medicines. For customers seeking professional help with their health the treatment rooms offer acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine, homeopathy and several other therapies. We run a program of educational workshops on health issues: shiatsu, herbal remedies for children, natural alternatives to HRT, and make your own cosmetics. A state of the art ecologically sound building has been built on a 12 acre site in Dorset: the decentralisation from London houses the manufacturing and distribution side of the business.
Contact: Amanda Lewis, 7 Northumberland Place, Bath, BA1 5AR Tel: 01225 466944
email: info@nyrbath.co.uk
website: www.nealsyardremedies.com

POTTERS

Our co-operative of more than thirty craft potters and ceramic artists displays the widest range of handmade ceramics in Britain. Because we also take turns serving in the shop, you will find that we know and appreciate what we sell and can offer excellent value. We sell tableware, sculpture, mirrors, vases, clocks, jewellery, garden pots, ornaments, lamps and commemorative ware. We can arrange for items to be designed and made on commission and sell gift vouchers as well. We also are committed to informing the public about the art and craft of ceramics, welcoming inquiries about courses, etc. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10-5.30 and most Mondays. Email us to be put on our e-news list for notification of events and special sales.
Contact: Margaret Crump, 9 Perry Road, Bristol, BS1 5BQ Tel: 0117 330 8445
email: margcrump@aol.com
website: www.pottersbristol.com

RADSTOCK CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD

Radstock Co-operative Society Ltd is a small consumer co-operative, which was established in Radstock, Somerset in 1868. The Society operates a superstore in Radstock, featuring a wide range of fresh foods, plants and flowers, groceries and frozen foods. It also offers a diverse range of non-food items including electrical items, furniture and housewares, textiles, and a wide range of clothing. In addition, there are 6 convenience shops based in surrounding villages in the area. The society runs a free shoppers’ delivery service from the Radstock store. The society also owns and operates an organic dairy farm, which supplies a substantial part of the required milk to manufacture our Co-operative organic cheddar cheese, made by award winning cheese manufacturers, Wyke Farms of Bruton. The Society, being owned and controlled by its membership of local people, remains very close to its local communities and constantly seeks to develop and improve its service to customers.
Contact: Vicki Przytocki, Co-operative House, 3 Wells Hill, Radstock, BA3 3RQ Tel: 01761 431555
website: www.radstock-co-op.co.uk

RIVERSIDE GARDEN CENTRE

In Bristol’s sunny Cumberland Basin, Riverside Garden Centre offers the city’s best range of beautiful, healthy plants. Panoramic views and award-winning architecture provide a unique and relaxed atmosphere, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help. The vegetarian café is open all day, with indoor and outdoor seating and there’s a play area to keep the kids amused.
Contact: Debbie Buffery, Riverside Clift House Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1RX Tel: 0800 037 5796
email: info@riversidegardencentre.com
website: www.riversidegardencentre.com

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