Wales Co-operative Centre Newsletter

Executive Summary, Report from Simon Harris, Chief Executive

It is encouraging to see the obvious and continued success of the Centre’s Enterprise Rehearsal Project in Wales. With nearly 500 individuals coming off benefits and into self employment or employment, the project is making a significant contribution to the economy and helping many individuals realise their goals and aspirations. In ‘Releasing the Entrepreneur’ we were able to celebrate this success but also offer some practical advice, training and workshops to those involved in the project to date.... Read More

Community pulls together to re-open vilage store

When the village store and post office closed three years ago in Bodffordd, Anglesey, many local people felt that the heart had gone out of the community. Three years later, the Wales Co-operative Centre is working with residents to open a new community shop.... Read More

Enterprise Rehearsal Project Celebrates Success

The Enterprise Rehearsal Project recently celebrated its success with ‘Releasing the Entrepreneur’, a one-day conference which took place in Cardiff at the end of January. The event brought together clients from the past and present with funders, partner organisations and politicians to highlight the achievements of the entrepreneurs who have benefited from it.... Read More

15 Jobs Safeguarded as Ceredigion Bed Company Becomes Employee Owned

Ceredigion based Alpha Beds has become an employee owned company following a buyout process in which 5 members of staff invested. The company, which was founded in the late 70s, has been purchased from the retiring owner and has been operating from it´s Llanfihangel-ar-arth workshop for over 20 years.... Read More

Training or Not Training? Depends where you or your co-operative wants to be

The Training Team at the Wales Co-operative Centre continues to go from strength to strength as it rolls out its Training Needs Analysis work and programme of bespoke courses for individual groups this Spring.... Read More

Wales Co-operative Centre assists Wales Youth Forum for Sustainable Development

One of the hottest topics in the news at the moment is sustainable development and young people have been amongst the most vocal in championing environmental, social and economic development for a sustainable global future. Now one Welsh co-operative is giving them a powerful voice to have their ideas heard internationally and influence decision makers.... Read More

Buyout Ushers in New Era for Historic Swansea Business JT Morgan

One of Swansea’s oldest and best known businesses is returning to local ownership and saving 150 jobs in the process through a £1 million management buy-out facilitated by the Wales Co-operative Centre and backed by Finance Wales and Lloyds TSB.... Read More