Co‑operatives 2009

Events

Co‑operatives 2009 is the UK's biggest and most influential gathering of co‑operatives and this year we will be celebrating our "better way of doing business".  With a packed agenda of plenaries, workshops, forums and debates designed to appeal to delegates from
co‑operatives of all types and sizes, we are sure you'll find lots to interest you.

The economic mayhem of the past nine months has led many people to look for better alternatives to the private and publicly owned companies that have got us into this mess, and evidence from around the country shows that more and more people are now considering co‑operative options.  We know that co‑operatives offer a better way of doing business, so there's never been a more appropriate time to examine just what makes
co‑operatives different, how they can provide solution's to today's problems and why it is so important for us to get our message across to the wider public.

Co‑operatives around the world play a major role in helping to people out of poverty and providing opportunities for and employment for many millions; closer to home,
co‑operative schools are being rolled out across the country at a tremendous pace.  At
Co‑operatives 2009, we examine the latest developments in both of these areas. We also look at our links with the mutual sector and how we can work more closely with mutuals to better promote our shared values.

On the one hand, the Co‑operative UK 100 celebrates the biggest players in the UK
co‑operative sector; on the other, our Worker Co‑operative Forum is geared towards small and medium sized co‑operatives, Co‑operatives 2009 really does cover the full range of
co‑operative enterprises!

This year sees the launch of the much anticipated Co‑operative Excellence Awards, and the new format for the Co‑operative Debate gives delegates the chance to shape the
co‑operative agenda of the future.  Finally, Co‑operatives 2009 is a great opportunity for us to acknowledge the valuable and pioneering work of the Co‑operative College, which reaches its 90th birthday this year.

We believe that Beaumont House Hotel and Conference Centre is the ideal setting for three days of works and pleasure, with plenty of facilities to fill any spare time between sessions and fabulous grounds to relax in.

We have worked hard to make Co‑operatives 2009 a useful and rewarding event and we trust that you will find it both interesting and enjoyable.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Ben Reid Chair, Co‑operativesUK	David Gibson CBE Chair, Co‑operative College Board of Governors
Dame Pauline Green Chief Executive, Co‑operativesUK	Mervyn Wilson Chief Executive and Principal, Co‑operative College