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The International year of co-operatives was launched on January 10th in Wales at an event in the Assembly organised by the Wales Co-operative Centre.

Speakers included the Business Minister, Edwina Hart AM, The Chair of the Assembly’s Cross Party Group on Co-operatives and Mutuals, Vaughan Gething AM, Pauline Green, World President of the International Co-operative Alliance, Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK and Derek Walker, Chief Executive of Wales Co-operative Centre.

The latest research paper from the Wales Co-operative Centre in this, its 30th year, was  launched by Victoria Winkler, Director of the Bevan Foundation who had prepared the report.

Derek Walker, Chief Executive of Wales Co-operative Centre, said: “In 2012, the UN International Year of Co-operatives, this report highlights the significant contribution Wales’ co-operatives make to the Welsh economy, society and environment.

“Worker co-operatives have far lower levels of staff turnover and absenteeism when compared with the average. They are also more likely to involve women and minority ethnic groups than private businesses. When you look at this evidence, It’s clear that co-operatives could play a big role in making Wales a more prosperous, fair and sustainable place to live.”

“Wales already has some superb co-operative businesses which show what can be done. We have been hit hard by the recession and constraints on public spending and services, coupled with welfare reform, will put further pressure on Welsh individuals, families and communities and the services they rely on. Co-operatives offer a solution to these problems and the case for increasing our efforts to support co-operatives is overwhelming.”

Read the full report:-
Co-operatives in the Welsh Economy
Mentrau Cydweithredol yn Economi Cymru

The International year of Co-operatives launched at the UN yesterday. The BBC and British press gave it no coverage but it was reported in China !http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-11/01/c_131222633.htm

Further details from the ICA at http://www.ica.coop/al-ica/

Download the UK programme details here 2012 ~ Make It Coop

A recent 30 min broadcast by Peter Day on the BBC World Service of his visit to the Mondragon co-operative in the Basque region of northern Spain is available on the iPlayer

http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00kj57g/

Just 51 days after getting the keys to the Pengwern Arms Hotel, a team of volunteers at Llan Ffestiniog, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, has the once run-down pub up and running again.

In January 2009, the 300-year-old inn that stands on the square opposite the church, closed its doors. Now, two years later, villagers are preparing for the official opening in June following a massive community effort.

The villagers have set up Pengwern Cymunedol Cyf, a co-operative incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society and received support from the Welsh Assembly Government, Tai Eryri Housing Association, Wales Co-operative Centre and Gwynedd Council.

In a test run for the official opening, last weekend shareholders and helpers were invited to check out the facilities and enjoy free beer. Volunteer staff wore black shirts with the Pengwern logo and in the cellar were many barrels including casks of real ale from the Purple Moose Brewery.

Internet users can follow the latest chapter of the inspiring story of community spirit at http://voff-snowdonia.blogspot.com/2011/05/y-pengwern-opens.html.

For more information please contact Mr Sel Williams on Tel: 0776 049 0081

Time to get serious: international lessons for developing public service mutuals

A new report from Co-operatives UK is launched today. In the context of the UK Coalition Government’s policies to promote public service mutuals, “Time to get serious: international lessons for developing public service mutuals” examines the experience in Spain, Italy and Sweden. It identifies some key factors for success, learning lessons and questions that are relevant for the development of new co-operative models in the UK.

The report is written by Jonathan Bland, an international expert on co-operatives, social enterprise and social innovation. Johnathan started his career in Cardiff volunteering for the Cardiff and Vale CDA in the 80’s whilst studying at Cardiff University, and has worked in co-operative and social enterprise bodies in Valencia, London, Finland and across Europe.

Download the Report here:-  International Public Service Mutuals

Full report of our recent event is at:-
http://uk.coop/blog/gilessimon/2011-03-18/creative-energy-co-operatives-roadshow

HF holidays has purchased Dolserau Hall in the Snowdonia National Park.  The three-star hotel (Visit Wales approved) is set in five acres of grounds just outside Dolgellau, and has a reputation for high quality accommodation and good food – with three AA rosettes to its name.

HF Holidays is the UK’s leading provider of walking, outdoor and leisure activity holidays and operates as a co-operative society. 
Dolserau Hall joins HF Holidays’ existing portfolio of 16 country houses throughout Britain, all in spectacular locations designed to take full advantage of the great outdoors for walking holidays and leisure activity breaks. Continue reading →

A consultation organised by the Union of progressive Co-operators on Robin Murray’s paper was held today (Feb 21st) at the offices of Public Sector Management Wales.

Robin Murray addressed a meeting over almost 30 active co-operators, many of whom were specialists in Health and Social Care. Following a lively and interesting discussion the group have agreed to meet again shortly to take forward the issues raised. In particular issues around social care and protecting the co-operative brand.

Almost 40 people attended the Co-operative Fringe meeting at the Labour Party Wales Conference in Llandudno on February 19th.

Continue reading →

Our International Principal Six Networking meeting with co-operatives from around the world, organised in partnership with Twin Trading on September 15th 2010 in the Mulbery Centre at Abergavenny has been reported in Cafetalero, the magazine of the Peruvian coffee producers union, la Junta Nacional del Cafe. The article gives details of the co-operative movement in Wales, the UK and worldwide.

We are pleased to reproduce the article here:- Cafetalero Dec 2010