CAG Co-operative Funding

"We chose to become a workers co-operative because we believe it is the best possible business model, it will present equality and democracy within the work place. We believe it will enpower individual members and maximise their potential within the business."

Kath Baron, Lakamka

Two new co-operatives have qualified for CAG Consultants grants.
The £250 grants were made to whomadeyourpants? Limited, Lakamka and Citrus Tree Ltd, to aid them in the early stages of trading. The beneficiaries are nominated by Co-operatives UK, who also issue the grants.

whomadeyourpants? Limited is a worker co-operative established in 2008 with the aim of empowering marginalised women by providing flexible employment, education and a social and community space. They manufacture, sell and distribute underwear made by their members.

Lakamka means delicious in Russian. Formed out of a group of refugees and Boltonians working on healthy food projects, Lakamka are becoming incorporated as a workers co-operative.

Citrus Tree Ltd is a worker co-operative, also established in 2008, which delivers a range of health food initiatives to the local community in the Sale Moor and Trafford areas of Greater Manchester. This includes a community cafe, luncheon clubs and breakfast clubs for local sheltered housing.

How do Co-operatives qualify?

To get the £250, as well as a brass name plate saying that their start up has been assisted by CAG Consultants, new co-operatives have to register with Co-operatives UK, who will then nominate selected co-operatives for a grant.

The grants are made possible because CAG Consultants give Co-operatives UK money to pay for the legal registration of 10 worker co-operatives per year.

If you are interested and want to find out more, please contact CAG Consultants or visit the Co-operatives UK website.