Co-operative

Definition:

An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations, through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

The purpose of a co-operative is to engage with outside business on behalf of it's members. Common goals could be:

• joint application to grant bodies;
• common suppliers;
• buying/ selling;
• joint marketing;
• sharing premises...

Emma Cooper, Craig Robertson and myself were fortunate to attend today's 'Co-operative' presentation @ Horizon Scotland, hosted by Moray Chamber of Commerce and felt it was relevant to what we are trying to achieve with CM. I feel it would be beneficial for the group if Emma and I were to report our findings at the forthcoming meeting for discussion. I have made contact with Jim Maxwell of CDS (Co-operative Development Scotland), who are a support agency for co-operatives (free of charge) - based in Glasgow - but they are keen to provide advice and support and have many case scenarios, which we can identify with.

A valuable quote:

"Collaboration is no longer a 'nice-to-have'. In a tightening economic environment, collaboration is becoming a competitive necessity." Harper McLeod LLP.