Types of Co‑operatives

Co‑operative Information

Co‑operatives give support to their
primary members.

There are several different types of co‑operative in the world, and they operate in all sections of the economy. They vary in size, structure and working methods - in the retail sector alone, co‑operatives range from small independently owned corner shops to the multi-million pound turnover of the Co‑operative Group.

Because of this, co‑operatives are instead defined by the relationship it has with its primary members. For example, in a Worker Co‑operative the primary members are the co‑operatives' employees; in a Consumer Co‑operative, the primary members are the co‑operatives' customers.

Tell me more about the history of co‑operation.