Cooperatives Yorkshire and Humber

Advice and Training

Up to four days free support for co-operatives in the region is available from a programme funded by the Co-operative Group. The Advice and Training programme enables new and existing co-operatives to receive expert support to develop as successful co-operative businesses. The programme is managed by Co-operative and Mutual Solutions, and involves several other experienced co-operative consultancies including Co-operative Business Consultants and SECOD. Support can include help with business planning, feasibility studies, legal and governance advice. Co-ops can apply on-line to receive up to four days of support, plus the costs of incoporation. www.co-operative.coop/Enterprisehub/Advice-and-training/

Co-operatives Y&H encourages the development and support of new co-operatives across the region. Specialist co-operative development advice, information and services are available from a growing number of providers in and around the region. Many are listed below.

Adrian Ashton

Adrian headed up Cambridge CDA, which became a leading Co-operative Development Body, gaining recognition for his insight, skill and knowledge in supporting various co-operative enterprises from regional and national bodies. He works developing and delivering national projects that are further strengthening the co-operative movement, and is currently an associate Tutor to the Co-operative College. As an unofficial mentor, Adrian is always happy to chat by phone, email or over lunch.

Phone: 07786 492313. E-mail: adrian_ashton2@yahoo.co.uk. Website: www.adrianashton.co.uk and http://thirdsectorexpert.blogspot.com

Association of British Credit Unions

ABCUL is a trade association for credit unions, offering services to its members. Contact Diane Borthwick diane.borthwick@abcul.org

Co-operative and Mutual Solutions

Co-operative and Mutual Solutions (CMS) is an employee owned business providing specialist consultancy to co-operatives and social enterprises. CMS’s three consultant Directors have over thirty years of combined experience developing co-operatives and social enterprises. CMS delivers services mainly in the North West of England.

Address: 7 Cecil Street, Lytham, Lancashire FY8 5NN. Phone: 07967 815321. E-mail: gareth[at]cms.coop. Website: www.cms.coop

Co-operative Business Consultants

CBC aim to promote democratic and participative management methods and techniques within the wider co-operative sector. Bob Cannell, Jo Bird and Kevin McGrother advise all kinds of co-operatives at all stages of development. CBC members are based in Bradford, Manchester and Hartlepool and can travel across the North of England to meet with you. Your first hour of phone advice is always free.

Phone: 0797 007 5704. E-mail: bob[at]cbc.coop. Website: www.cbc.coop

Energy 4 All

Support for new or existing renewable energy co-ops such as Baywind.

Address: Unit 33, Trinity Enterprise Centre, Furness Business Park, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria LA14 2PN. Phone: 01229 821028

English Food and Farming Partnerships

EFFP support farmer controlled businesses. Contact David Hall DHall@effp.co.uk

Humberside Co-operative Development Agency

Jon Clarke is happy to help any new or existing co-operative in the Humberside area. Unit 3c, Arthur Street, Hull HU3 6BH. Tel: 01482 449877. enquiries@humbersidecda.info

North West Housing Services

North West Housing Services is dedicated to providing ethical, professional services to housing co-operatives, small social landlords and leaseholders, including committee administration, leasehold management, performance reporting and housing management functions.

Address: 19 Devonshire Road, Liverpool L8 3TX. Phone: 0151 726 2200. E-mail: syed.maqsood[at]nwhousing.org.uk. Website: www.nwhousing.org.uk

Sheffield Co-operative Development Group

As lead manager, Alan Dootson is focussed on the start up and development of co-operatives in Sheffield. SCDG is based in Aizelwood Mill, Nursey Street S3 8GG. Contact alan[at]scdg.org

Social Enterprise and Co-operative Development

Secod provides high-quality support services and solutions to community and social enterprises and co-operatives across the North of England. Secod is passionate about: facilitating groups to develop social enterprises and co-operatives; helping organisations to build their capacity and make a real difference; supporting social and environmental justice.

Address: Wallsend House, The Old Rectory, Church Lane, Bowness on Solway, Cumbria CA7 5AF. Phone: 01697 351010. E-mail: info[at]secod.coop. Website: www.secod.org.uk

Supporters Direct

Supporters Direct is the trade association and support organisation for supporters trusts particularly football and rugby. E-mail Jacqui.Forster@supporters-direct.org.

UK Credit Unions
UK Credit Unions Ltd is a trade association for credit unions, offering services to its members. Contact Dawn Vear on info@ukcu.coop.

Yorkshire & the Humber Co-operative Development Consortium

A new co-operative development body bringing together all key providers of co-operative support. The consortium aims to deliver tailored support to new and exisiting co-operatives across the region, and in any sector of the economy. YHCDC is being established with the support of Co-operatives YH. Contact jo[at]cbc.coop