Further Help and Advice

Co-op sector advice and information

International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)

Independent, non-governmental association that unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide, with 227 member organisations from 91 countries active in all sectors of the economy and representing more than 800 million individuals worldwide.
www.ica.coop

Co-operation & Mutuality Scotland

The strategic voice for co-operation and mutuality in Scotland - owned and controlled by its co-operative and mutual members.
www.cooperatives-uk.coop/live/cme216.htm

Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL)

The main trade association for credit unions.
www.abcul.org

Co-operatives UK

The central membership organisation for co-operative enterprise throughout the UK.
www.cooperatives-uk.coop

SAOS

A membership organisation working to strengthen the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of Scotland's farming, food and related rural industries and communities, through co-operation and joint activity.
www.saos.co.uk

Employee Ownership Scotland

Specialists in start up and ongoing support for worker co-ops and employee-owned businesses.
www.uk.coop/eos/

European Federation of Employee Shareownership (EFES)

The umbrella organisation for employee owners and companies, and any person or organisation looking to promote employee ownership and participation in Europe.
www.efesonline.org

Supporters Direct

Support, advice and information for groups of football supporters who want a responsible role in the life of the football club they support.
www.supporters-direct.org

ICA Europe

One of the four regions of the International Co-operative Alliance, with members from 84 organisations in all co-operative sectors.
www.ica.coop/europe/

Job Ownership Ltd

The voice of employee-owned business in the UK.
www.jol.org.uk

Public sector enterprise

Enterprise Networks

Scottish Enterprise is the economic development agency covering 93% of the Scottish population. It aims to grow the economy and create a 'Smart, Successful Scotland' www.scottish-enterprise.com. Highlands and Islands Enterprise has a wider economic and social development remit appropriate to rural areas www.hie.co.uk.

Business Gateway

The one stop shop to start or grow your business.
www.bgateway.com

Scottish Executive (Business & Industry)

Aims to ensure long-term sustainable economic growth by creating a business environment that encourages innovation, entrepreneurialism and high skill levels, helping to prosper the growth and transformation of businesses.
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry

Sources of finance

We would be delighted to introduce you to any of these finance and investment partners. You can also subscribe here to receive updated information in our newsletter.

Baxi Partnership

Helping employees buy the companies in which they work.
www.baxipartnership.co.uk

The Co-operative Bank

Owned and controlled by its members and ethically guided.
www.co-operativebank.co.uk

Triodos Bank

Putting money to work for positive social, environmental and cultural change.
www.triodos.co.uk

Co-operative and Community Finance

Lending for social purpose and collective benefit.
www.icof.co.uk

Social Investment Scotland

Stimulating enterprise and wealth creation in under-invested communities.
www.socialinvestmentscotland.com

National Lottery

Fully recognises the eligibility of co-operatives and mutual societies. They can apply for grant support to help deliver their objectives.
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

European Funds

Promotes and recognises fully the eligibility of co-operatives and mutual societies in accessing all European funding sources, from Structural Funds to Cross Border Trading.
www.scottish-enterprise.com