What are the main co-operative business models?
• Employee owned businesses are like conventional companies, but with much greater employee involvement and ownership. • Worker co-operatives are businesses that are owned and democratically controlled by their employees. • Business co-operatives allow individual businesses to procure, produce and sell more effectively, whilst still retaining their independence. • Consumer co-operatives are owned by their customers on a membership basis to provide the goods and services that they need. • Community co-operatives are owned, controlled and run for the benefit of those living in an area or having a common interest.
