The Co-op Movement

Proudly local since day one. The East of England Co-op story.

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Founded in 1844

The Rochdale Pioneers

Co-operatives were formed over 180 years ago as a different way of doing business that was better for everyone. The first successful co-op was formed in 1844 by a group of working-class men in Rochdale who established a set of guiding values and principles which we still follow to this day.

Co-operatives are based on the values of: 

Self-help
Self-responsibility
Democracy
Equality
Equity
Solidarity

Co-operatives use seven principles to put their co-operative values into practice: 

Voluntary and open membership
Democratic member control
Member economic participation
Autonomy and independence
Education, training and information
Co-operation among Co-operatives
Concern for community

Did you know Co-operative Societies gave women equal rights and opportunities long before Parliament?

Societies enabled women to receive their own dividend and have an equal vote in their co-operative, an incredible 80 years before they would receive the parliamentary vote.

Did you know Co-operative Societies gave women equal rights and opportunities long before Parliament?

Societies enabled women to receive their own dividend and have an equal vote in their co-operative, an incredible 80 years before they would receive the parliamentary vote.

The Co-operative Movement

There are over 3 million co-ops around the world, including 7,000 independent co-ops in the UK. They cover a wide range of sectors, from retail, housing, healthcare and farming. There are even co-operative football teams, like FC Barcelona.

The story of the Rochdale Pioneers

Curious about our roots? Watch The Story of the Rochdale Pioneers to see how a group of everyday working families sparked a global movement. Built on a simple set of shared values and principles, their inspiring story continues to shape the way we work together today.

Curious about our roots? Watch The Story of the Rochdale Pioneers to see how a group of everyday working families sparked a global movement. Built on a simple set of shared values and principles, their inspiring story continues to shape the way we work together today.