We’d love to use our experience and expertise to support your co-op or community business. Meet the team and board of Co-operative Futures.
I’ve been supporting co-operatives, community-owned businesses and mutual organisations across the UK since 2000, from credit unions and employee buyouts to community-owned farms and cinemas. I’m a licensed community shares practitioner and have extensive experience helping organisations develop, raise finance and put co-operative ideas into practice. Outside work, I love long walks and travelling the country in my baby caravan!
I describe myself as a co-op enthusiast! Before joining Co-operative Futures, I co-founded two community businesses in Oxford, The Children’s Allotment and Makespace Oxford. I have a background in community development and community-led housing, and lived in a housing co-op for eight years. I specialise in community assets and housing co-operatives and love mentoring start-ups. Outside work, I enjoy spending time in my garden.
My background is in sustainability and community energy, and I previously worked for Co-operative Futures supporting co-operatives and social enterprises. I have particular experience in helping start-ups build capacity, identify community skills and assets, and develop their organisations. I also work with Co-operatives West Midlands, the West Midlands Ownership Hub and the Save Birmingham campaign. I love greyhounds and enjoy (!) running 10Ks!
I’m a former TV producer turned communications consultant and co-founder of two community organisations. I’m interested in ideas that can help solve community problems and create positive change. Alongside Co-operative Futures, I work with Bearwood Community Hub and provide communications support to the Save Birmingham campaign and Economic Justice Brum. Outside work, I’m usually thinking about food or walking the dog.
Our Board of Directors
I have wide experience of co-operatives, including as a member of a worker co-operative and on the boards of a co-operative development agency, credit union and energy co-operative. I’m a founder member of Co-operative Futures and bring many years of practical experience to my role as Chair of the Board.
I’m a long-term co-operator and director of worker co-operative Co-operative Web, where I’m involved in the operational, sales and strategic sides of the business. I bring extensive experience of running and developing co-operative businesses to the Co-operative Futures Board.
After 25 years in commercial banking, I bought and ran a post office in the Cotswolds with my wife before selling it to Midcounties Co-op. That rekindled my interest in co-operatives and led me to join the boards of Midcounties and Co-operative Futures. I’m also a trustee of Co-operative & Community Finance.
I’ve worked in co-operative development with the Co-operative Assistance Network for 25 years and am committed to co-operative principles, values and ethics. Alongside my role as Finance Director of Co-operative Futures, I hold board positions with Co-operative & Community Finance and Co-operatives South West.
As Executive Director, I bring my experience of working with co-operatives and community-owned businesses across the UK to the Board. I’ve worked in co-operative development since 2000 and have particular expertise in community shares, business development and helping organisations turn co-operative ideas into practice.