Co-operatives

This saw a merger with United Co-operatives transform the group into the world's biggest consumer co-operative, capping a series of smaller deals which collectively brought 80% of Britain's traditionally fragmented collection of societies into the same entity.

Co-op boss sets sights on retail's premier league 2011

The Co-operatives new ethical operating plan promises much on Fairtrade

Fairtrade gets huge boost from The Co-operative's new ethical plan 2011

Co-operatives, in contrast, rely primarily on members' savings, community and worker share capital as well as trading income to create a coherent economic and political strategy for independence.

Social enterprise: How is it making its Mark? 2011

• We will invest £1m to celebrate 2012 as the United Nations year of Co-operatives, seeking to help more people than ever understand the strength and benefits of the co-operative difference

The Co-operative's Ethical Operating Plan commitments 2011

The consultation – Building a Mutual Post Office – follows a report earlier this year led by Co-operatives UK, the trade body that works to promote them, which suggested that a mutual body, such as a company or a co-operative, could be set up, with members including staff and customers.

Post Office mutualisation proposals unveiled 2011

Co-operatives and their support bodies were also vital to the formation of the national support network for social enterprise.

Social enterprise: How is it making its Mark? 2011

In contrast to the recent anaemic growth in the wider economy, and an actual decline in GDP between 2008 and 2010, the co-operative economy grew by one quarter and now has an annual turnover of £34bn, employs 240,000 people and sustains a membership of 13m, according to Co-operatives UK.Despite the range of benefits inherent in co-operative enterprise, direct tenant control is under-developed in the UK.

Growing the co-operative economy could be as radical as right to buy 2011

Case study research by the Commission on Co-operatives and Mutual Housing backs this up.

Growing the co-operative economy could be as radical as right to buy 2011

Co-operatives operate slowly; in a business you can make decisions quickly, you don't have to discuss everything with all the people.

Mali's farmer organisations 2011

The Co-operatives UK report suggested a number of models, such as John Lewis or the Co-operative, but Davey said the Post Office mutual could be a hybrid of different ideas.

Post Office mutualisation proposals unveiled 2011