The power of three

The power of three 3x as many people in the world are members of co-operatives than individual shareholders. The co-operative economy only ever delivers on the triple bottom line. Its businesses are designed to benefit members, to benefit society and to benefit the environment. Co-operative businesses share ownership, profits and control to remain stable and strong. Co-operatives work together so that more can be achieved, for greater benefit. Co-operatives listen to all voices so that they deliver for the long term. Power Of Three Co-operatives deliver to the power of three. characteristics ingredients for co-operation reasons why co-operatives mean better business Co-operative differences of co-operatives Me Individuals co-operating with others Financial success More resilient, 98% of co-operative businesses are still in operation after three years compared with 65% of all businesses. Principles Voluntary and open membership, concem for community, democratic member control, member economic Ownership Members benefit from success. Profits don't have to be the only pursuit, people and products can be. More co-operatives means more competitive markets. Me and you Working together participation, education and training, cooperation among co-operatives. Us Towards a common purpose Society success Over half of co-operative enterprises (56%) are to be found in more disadvantaged Values Self help, responsibility, democracy, equity, equality. Profits Profits are shared among members, helping to create a more equal society. Whether back to a business or for the benefit of their community, members decide where the profits go. areas of the UK. Environmental success 88% of co-operative enterprises seek to minimise their environmental impact. In the UK economy as a whole, 44% of small businesses say they have taken no action whatsoever. Ethics Open, honest, socially responsible, care for others. Control One member, one vote means decisions are made for common good, not just for one party or interest. Co-OPERATIVES UK