Co-operative Futures is a business development consultancy specialising in co-operative, mutual and community led businesses. Founded in 2000 it was set up to provide direct advice and support services and to engage in debates to find mutual solutions for challenges being faced by communities.
So whether you are starting out with an idea, looking to grow and develop your business or want to know about more about community ownership and co-operative business models we can help you.
Working with start-ups and existing companies we advise a variety of enterprises in a wide range of sectors including retail, leisure, community asset transfer, renewable energy, care and many more.
There are many names bandied around for the types of organisation we work with but it boils down to three things: that there is trading activity, they have a social purpose and there is some form of collective ownership. If you think that might be you please get in touch.
Co-operative Futures is an approved provider for the following schemes:
Midcounties Co-operative provides support to co-operatives and community groups in their trading area.
Community shares can save local shops and pubs, finance renewable energy schemes, transform community facilities, support local food growing, fund new football clubs, restore heritage buildings, and above all, build stronger, more vibrant, and independent communities.
The Hive, a business support programme for co-ops and community businesses. The Hive offers online support, group advice, skills training sessions, one-to-one advice, peer mentoring.
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Co-operating Oxford City
Working in partnership with the Owned by Oxford project and CAG Oxfordshire Co-operative Futures has received funding from Oxford City Council to run a dedicated co-operative development service for Oxford City. MORE–>
What we do
Starting up
Starting up
Looking at your business model, the viability of the business and what you need to get going.
Governance
Governance
How to make sure your legal structure is the right one and making sure you are doing the right things for your members.
Community shares
Community shares
Support to write a share offer document that will enable you to raise capital investment from your community or members.
Finance
Finance
Looking at how much it costs to run your business, what you should charge to make the right amount of profit and how to understand your accounts.
Marketing
Marketing
Identifying who your customers are, what they want to buy, how much they will pay and how to tell them about yourselves.
Business Plans
Business Plans
We help to write one that covers all the important areas. It can be one that is just for use internally or one that is needed to raise finance.
Projects
Swindon Child Carers
CF ProjectThe Old School
CF ProjectSutton Community Farm
CF ProjectWorkshops for Communities
CF ProjectCo-operative Web
CF ProjectClevedon Pier & Heritage Trust
CF ProjectCo-op News
CF ProjectWarm Earth
CF ProjectThe Active Wellbeing Society
CF ProjectGloucestershire Gateway Trust
CF ProjectFlo’s – The Place in the Park
CF ProjectThe Children’s Allotment
CF ProjectEat Make Play
CF ProjectCommunity Data Co-op
CF ProjectFrom Crisis to Co-op
CF ProjectThe Ultimate Picture Place
CF ProjectChance Heritage Trust
CF ProjectTogether Smethwick Food Hub
CF ProjectUnlocking Social and Economic Innovation Together – USE-IT!
CF Project- CF Project
Tweets
About
Co-operative Futures is part of a workers co-op – The People Co-op, a network of ethical, sustainable businesses here in the UK with a focus on the business to business service companies.
Our head office is at: City Works, Alfred Street, Gloucester. GL1 4DF
You can call us on: 01452 543030
If you are not happy with the service you have received from Co-operative Futures please let us know. Details of how to do it are here or complete the contact form.