Useful links for journalists

Success stories >

Ten stories from successful co-operative businesses in Scotland.

Current projects >

Development projects that CDS is working on with its partners.

About co-ops >

All you need to know about co-ops: what they are; history; internationally.

Co-operative Scotland >

Statistics, stories and what's going on in Scotland.

Media centre

Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) aims to increase the co-operative sector's contribution to the Scottish economy by more than £50m over the next three years. It will do this by encouraging more people to adopt the co-operative model for business start-ups, buy-outs, public to private transfers, marketing networks and other business ventures.

The Scottish Executive is backing us on this with up to £3m over the next three years as part of its commitment to co-operation and employee ownership within the Smart, Successful Scotland strategy.

CDS offers niche services aimed at developing the co-operative business model across Scotland. These include high-level legal, tax and management advice, training on how to involve members in the management of a co-op, practical market research and help with generating new business opportunities and sources of finance.

CDS is a subsidiary of Scottish Enterprise with its own advisory board.

Contact Ruth Andrew at the Press Office, Scottish Enterprise: 0141 228 2717