People in Islington with ambitions to start or grow a co-operative can now access free support thanks to a new partnership between Co-operatives UK and Islington Borough Council.
The programme, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), offers groups and businesses in the borough the chance to explore how the co-operative model can help them build fair, ethical and sustainable enterprises.
To access the support, groups can attend a free one-day workshop on Thursday 20 November 2025 in Islington, 10am-3pm at Space4, Islington
Who is the workshop aimed at?
The workshop is open to anyone who:
Wants to start a new co-op
Is developing a business and wants to run it co-operatively
Is part of an existing business considering conversion to a co-op
What participants can expect
The workshop will cover the basics of how co-ops work and the practical steps to setting one up. Attendees will:
Learn what a co-op is and the benefits of the model
Explore how to build a sustainable business plan
Understand different legal structures
Connect with like-minded people
Hear from inspirational local co-ops
Everyone who takes part will also have the opportunity to apply for tailored one-to-one business consultancy support, to help shape their enterprise journey.
How to get involved
The workshop is free to attend but places are limited.
This support is delivered by Co-operatives UK in partnership with Islington Borough Council, with funding from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Booking link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYacN5wI3yeOP6VvsXpMhrbYko0fjA8ufEqEAuzEFlGziJfQ/viewform