Co-operative Development Scotland

Sectors

Food and drink

Collaboration allows producers and suppliers of food and drink products to benefit from purchasing, supply chain and marketing efficiencies.

Tourism

There are many examples of local or sectoral tourism businesses collaborating to promote their destination or offering.

Forestry

Co-operative business models are well suited to the management, harvesting and development of forest resources.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy co-operatives allow communities to develop and have collective ownership of assets such as wind farms and biomass plants.

Creative industries

Co-operative business models allow professionals in creative industries to market complementary skills and have a say in the management of their business.

Housing

Housing co-operatives are groups of people who collectively manage the accommodation in which they live.

Retail

Retailers owned by the customers who buy their products and services are known as consumers' co-operatives.

Agriculture and fishing

Individual farmers and fisheries benefit from co-operatives which allow them to share the cost of resources and sell their produce more effectively.

Sport

Co-operatives give football fans a greater say in the running of their clubs and allow independent sports clubs to increase their buying power.

Finance

Credit unions, building societies, co-operative banks and mutual insurers are owned by their customers for mutual gain.