A useful place for co-operation.

Why this site exists

Co-operative ownership raises useful questions: who belongs, who decides, how the business pays its way and how people share responsibility. We bring together practical explanations, a directory, working tools and specialist signposts to help people move from curiosity to action.

Who operates it

Coops.uk is built and operated by OpsHelp, which provides technical services. OpsHelp is not currently a co-operative. The site is independent of Co-operatives UK and other movement organisations; links do not imply their endorsement.

How we write

General editorial is credited to Coops.uk, and technology guidance to OpsHelp. Articles are original guidance with sources readers can inspect. Worked examples are labelled as examples. Dates distinguish publication from substantive updates.

We aim to distinguish co-operative principles, membership models and legal forms. Introductory material helps you prepare better questions; formation, finance and regulated matters need appropriate specialist advice.

Directory standards

Listings describe organisations using public sources. Organisation kind matters: a co-operative, mutual, community benefit society and support network are not interchangeable labels. Source and checked-date information helps readers judge a record; check an organisation’s own website before relying on membership or service information.

A listing is not a customer relationship, recommendation or guarantee. Basic directory submissions are free and reviewed for relevance and evidence.

Commercial interests

Technical-help links explain the connection to OpsHelp. If a page carries paid placement or an affiliate relationship, it should be clearly identified at the point where it appears. Editorial coverage is not offered as an undisclosed benefit of buying services.

Corrections and contributions

Send the page URL, the part that needs changing and a reliable source. We welcome missing organisations, better explanations and practical resources, especially where an existing page leaves an important question unanswered.