Resources

Interested in starting or converting to a co-operative enterprise? First take a look at the resources and links below. Then get in touch, either using the contact form or book in a chat with one of our advisers.

We can support any groups or organisations operating within Preston looking to start or convert to a co-operative or community business. Our free advice and training is made possible by UK Shared Prosperity Funding provided through Preston City to support growing the local social economy.

Useful guides and resources

Start-up guides

Governance, legal docs and policies

  • Simply Legal – All you need to know about legal forms and organisational types for UK co-operatives and community owned enterprises.
  • Model Governing Documents (Co-operatives UK) – Model documents to legally register a co-operative.
  • The Worker Co-op Code – This code is designed to help people create and defend decent jobs, through well run worker co-ops.
  • Seeds for Change Resources – A comprehensive suite of anti-copyright guides, templates, model governing docs, including non-English translations. Aimed at co-operators and activists – recommended.
  • CAN policies – A comprehensive set of working policies with a co-operative focus.
  • The handbook of handbooks A list of handbooks and toolkits for groups working without top-down management from social movements to workplaces. Its an open source publication available for anyone to read, update, share.
  • The handbook of handbooks – A list of handbooks and toolkits for groups working without top-down management from social movements to workplaces open source for anyone to read, update, share