Are you interested in the future of co-operatives and mutuals in Wales, and the role they play in the Welsh economy and our communities?
Maybe you work for a co-operative or mutual, or provide support to such businesses in Wales. You might work for a public or voluntary sector organisation that has links to co-operatives.
Or perhaps you represent a funding organisation or could be someone who’s thinking of setting up a co-operative.
Within the next week, a series of consultation events will get underway that provide an opportunity for you to respond to the Welsh Co-operatives and Mutuals Commission’s report – a document that states that ‘co-operatives and mutuals offer significant economic, social and environmental benefits compared with ordinary businesses’ and that ‘their development must be central to transforming Wales’ economic fortunes’.
The report makes recommendations on growing and developing the co-operative and mutual economy in Wales, in order to create jobs and wealth. It does this across a range of key themes, including:
· The role of Wales’s education system in co-operative development
· Business support and advice
· Financial support for co-operative development and employee-owned businesses
· Co-operative ownership of land and assets
· Procurement and the co-operative supply chain
· Innovation, leadership and networking
· Delivery mechanisms
If you haven’t already read the report, you can download a copy online.
Now have your say on the report and its recommendations, by booking onto one of the three consultation events that are taking place across Wales:
- Friday 28th March, National Botanic Gardens, Llanarthne
- Friday 4th April, Canolfan Soar, Merthyr Tydfil
- Wednesday 9th April, The Interchange, Colwyn Bay
The events are free to attend.
If you cannot attend the events, a questionnaire will be made available. This will be promoted separately.
