Trading for Mutual Benefit: Networking Event

Trading for Mutual Benefit: Networking Event - Tuesday 20 October, 12.30 - 4pm, Holyoake House, Hanover Street, Manchester M60 0AS
Co-operatives North West is holding an inter-trading and networking event for any individual or organisation with an interest in co-operative and mutual enterprise. Key note speakers Gareth Nash and Petra Morris, will address three co-operative growth areas - renewable energy, health care and community shares. Experienced networker, Sion Whellens will enable contributions from all participants, and promote Principle Six- Co-operation between Co-operatives.
So far this year, over 130 people have attended a range of Co-operatives North West events leading to increased awareness of relevant opportunities, enhanced trading relationships and collaborations for mutual benefit. Fees for this event, including lunch, are: £15 for members of CNW,£25 for non-members. For more details and to book, complete the booking form at www.events.uk.coop/node/672

We want your views and involvement

The Co-operative Business Development Panel (formerly New Ventures Panel) aims to:

• provide a forum to share ideas and the knowledge of who is doing what


• feed creative thinking


• link and connect people, ideas, resources and support


• explore models that work and how they might be replicated and extended


• create an enabling environment for co‑operative development


• disseminate and promote

The panel is looking at the following thematic areas and see these as providing the most potential for co-operatives and for areas of growth

Renewable Energy and climate change

http://www.cooperatives-uk.coop/greenertogether
The Government’s long awaited UK Renewable Energy Strategy 2009, published 15 July http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/res/res.aspx
Health and social care

http://www.cooperatives-uk.coop/health1

Finance / community shares
http://www.communityshares.org.uk/

The above list is not exhaustive and other work areas / themes are being considered. Click here to see a diagram of the proposed technical working groups.

We would welcome your comments and views. What areas of renewable energy, health and finance should co-operatives focus on in the next two years? What are the growth markets? Where could co-operation work but isn't currently used for instance social franchising?

We are also looking to set up virtual online working groups to lead in these areas and if you have relevant experience and wish to be involved, please let me know

Please contact Petra Morris, Projects and New Ventures officer Tel. 0161 246 2960 email. petra.morris@cooperatives-uk.coop