2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the first building society and an opportunity to look back and celebrate the value of member owned organisations and the benefits they bring to the economy. According to research carried out by Co-operatives UK, from farming to retail to credit unions, co-operatives contribute over £38bn to the UK economy. The same report also revealed that the 9,342 co-operatives and mutual businesses have generated a combined income of £165.7 billion and provided employment for over 1.3 million people in the UK. In light of this, the Government are committed to doubling the size of the mutuals and co-op sector, working closely with the recently established mutual and co-operative business council. How can business and parliament continue to work collaboratively to ensure the sustained growth of co-operatives?

This event will:

• Explore the benefits of the different membership models that co-operatives and mutuals offer.
• Discuss the Government's target to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector and the steps needed to achieve this goal.
• Identify the opportunities and challenges for growing the co-operative sector.