Business co-operatives
Purchasing, producing or marketing co-operatives allow individual businesses to procure, produce and sell more effectively, whilst still retaining their independence.
Each member business has equal influence and control, a characteristic not always associated with traditional joint ventures or partnerships. This structure allows them to benefit from increased productivity and growth by sharing resources such as staff and equipment.
Business co-operatives work well where the member companies are marketing one product, or complementary products and services. For example, joining forces allows groups of businesses to bid for contracts that they would be unable to fulfil independently.
Co-operation is well established in industries such as agriculture, where individual farms pool labour and resources to reduce costs and maximise profits. However the model works across all industries, with particular relevance to sectors such as food and drink, forestry and tourism.
Argyll Food Producers and Harris Tweed Artisans Co-operative are examples of business co-operatives that have been supported by CDS.