Exeter Observer has joined Co-ops UK, a network of thousands of UK co-ops that provides specialised knowledge and expertise to support the development of individual co-ops and to grow the co-operative economy with the aim of creating a more just society.
Co-ops UK is owned and controlled by its members, who are all themselves member-owned organisations in turn.
Exeter Observer is produced and published by Exeter Observer Limited, Community Benefit Society No. 8435 registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.
As such it conducts its business for the benefit of the community at large and is owned and run democratically by its members.
Members hold shares in the society and are accorded democratic rights on a one-member-one-vote basis regardless of the number of shares they hold (in contrast with the company convention of one-share-one-vote).
Other Exeter community benefit societies include Exeter Community Energy Company, Exeter St James Community Trust and Co-Cars.
As a member of Co-ops UK Exeter Observer recognises the co-operative values and principles defined by the international Statement on the Co-operative Identity.
Co-ops UK delivers three primary functions for and on behalf of its members:
- It promotes co-ops by lobbying policy makers and raising public awareness of co-ops through campaigning activities.
- It develops co-ops by providing specialist advice to co-operative businesses and securing sector support funding.
- It connects co-ops together by organising local and national events, workshops and networking sessions.
Membership of Co-ops UK confers a range of benefits on Exeter Observer.
These include, in particular, access to a bespoke co-operative business support programme called The Hive that is funded by The Co-operative Bank.