Discover Co-ops Webinars Scheduled for West Yorkshire

Free online events to explore cooperative business models

Two free webinars aimed at individuals and organisations in West Yorkshire interested in cooperative business models are taking place in February. The sessions, delivered by Co-operatives UK in partnership with Business for Good West Yorkshire, will cover community ownership and worker co-operatives.

Discover Co-ops: Community Shares & Ownership

• Date: Tuesday 10 February
• Time: 10:30–12:00

This webinar will focus on how communities can use co-operative models to save local assets such as pubs, venues, and community centres. It will explain the concept of community shares, a form of democratic investment, and feature speakers from successful West Yorkshire co-ops. Mark Simmonds from Co-op Culture will discuss the transformation of Heptonstall Post Office and The Fox and Goose pub in Hebden Bridge through community ownership. Alan Beswick will share insights from Headingley Development Trust in Leeds.

Registration is available via the Co-operatives UK website: Discover Co-ops: Community Shares & Ownership.

Discover Co-ops: Workers Unite! (Worker Co-ops)

• Date: Tuesday 24 February
• Time: 10:30–12:00

This session is designed for freelancers, worker-owned businesses, and those considering employee buyouts. It will explore how worker co-operatives can offer fairer and more secure employment. Speakers include Jim Wild from Leeds Environmental Design Associates (LEDA) and Amani Talheth-Fell from Leeds Community Sauna, who will share experiences from local worker co-ops.

To register, visit: Discover Co-ops: Workers Unite!.

Background

Business for Good West Yorkshire (BfGWY) is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supports initiatives promoting sustainable and democratic business practices in the region.

These webinars provide an opportunity for those interested in alternative business models to learn from established co-operatives and explore how such models can benefit communities and workers in West Yorkshire.

Source: Doing Good Leeds