Cooperatives Yorkshire and Humber

Welcome to the first newsletter of Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber. As the network of co-operative enterprise in the region, we aim to:

1. raise the profile of the co-operative sector
2. represent the interests of co-operatives
3. encourage mutual support, inter-trading and networking; and share best practice, training and development opportunities
4. strengthen co-operative endeavour by working with local, regional and national organisations

To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, contact Jo on 0797 007 5704 or jo[at]cbc.coop.

Fair Trade - exclusive performance

Sunday 12 October, Suma Wholefoods

Reap the dividends of Mikron Theatre Company's insight into the Co-operative Movement from its roots in the early part of the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution resulted in exploitation and misery for many working people. Exclusive performance on Sunday 12 October at Suma Wholefoods, Lowerfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DB. Refreshments from 12pm, performance and interval from 1pm to 3pm. To reserve your ticket (maximum of 4) contact paulc[at]suma.coop

Footsey 100

Thursday 16 October, York Racecourse

Co-operatives Yorkshire and Humber will be promoting co-operatives in the region at Footsey 100: the social economy trade fair. www.footsey.org.uk.Co-operators from across the region are welcome to have promotional leaflets and materials displayed on the stand. Please send materials to Giles Hall, the Co-operative Group, Media House, 5 Staithgate Lane, Bradford BD6 1YA. If you would like to help staff the stand, please contact Giles on 0784 336 5567 or giles.hall[at]coop.co.uk

The Burma Play: A Comedy of Terror

Thursday 16 October, 7pm, Showroom Workstation, Paternoster Row, Sheffield

The Co-operative Northern Membership Team would like to invite members and employees to a performance of 'The Burma Play, A Comedy of Terror'. A story told with flair, humour and original live music. It offers a sharp, clear and vivid insight into the complicated political history of Burma, from British colonialism to oppression and the current struggle for democracy. After the performance, there will be an opportunity to discuss the issues that are raised with the Northern International Theatre Company and the Co-operative Group Ethics and Sustainability Team. www.burmaplay.com. To book free tickets, contact 0161 246 2226 or membership[at]co-operative.coop

Fast Forward and AGM

Wednesday 26 November, Round Foundry, Leeds

A major date for your diary! This is the annual opportunity to network with all kinds of co-operative from across the region and beyond. Key note speakers will include Co-operatives UK and Social Enterprise Yorkshire (tbc). Workshops will include funding for co-ops, worker co-op code of governance, international co-ops in conflict areas, key issues for credit unions and more. Stalls will also be available to promote co-operative enterprise. Please contact Jo on 0797 007 5704 or jo[at]cbc.coop if you would like to offer a workshop at Fast Forward. More information and a booking form will follow.

A brief Annual General Meeting of Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber will be held at the end of Fast Forward. A Steering Group will be elected - new members are welcome. Please contact Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber secretary, Joan Keysell on joan.keysell[at]co-operative.coop for more information on the steering group.

Business Development Manager

Jo Bird shared with Co-operatives North West

Jo Bird was appointed in September as the new Business Development Manager for Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber, thanks to funding from the Co-operative Fund. Jo has more than 15 years experience working in co-operatives including founding Olive Co-op (a workers coop promoting responsible travel, fair trade and tourism in the middle east), working with Co-operative Business Consultants (with Bob Cannell of Suma), the Co-operative Group (Head of Co-operative Action) and co-founding Equinox housing co-op. More information on Jo's wide ranging co-operative experience is on www.jobird.net and www.cbc.coop

Jo is contracted to work one day per week for Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber and another day a week for Co-operatives North West. Jo said, "I'm delighted to have been appointed and look forward to working together to help strengthen the co-operative sector in the region."

Free Publicity for your Co-op

Just send a copy of your best photo

Having a Business Development Manager in post means Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber has greater capacity to achieve its objectives. One of the first priorities is to produce a leaflet (and later on, a website) to raise the profile of the co-operative economy in the region. The leaflet will be distributed widely, including at Fast Forward. Your co-op can be promoted for free - just send a copy of your best photo or two to jo[at]cbc.coop or to Jo Bird, Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber, c/o SCDG, Aizlewood's Mill, Nursery Street, Sheffield S3 8GG. Jo will use these photos in promotional materials. The deadline for receiving leaflet photos is Monday 20 October.

Urban Forum

8th and 9th December, Manchester

Urban Forum is a network of organisations interested in urban and regional policy, especially regeneration. Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber, and Co-operatives North West, will be having a presence at their annual conference on 8th and 9th December in Manchester. www.urbanforum.org.uk. If you would like more information and/or to be part of this presence, please contact John Johnson of Speak Easy on 0114 258 0514 or jjohnson[at]phonecoop.coop