United Co-operatives

United Co-operatives was a large cooperative organization in the UK, formed by combining numerous local cooperatives. It operated in sectors like retail, wholesale, and distribution, emphasizing member ownership and community benefit rather than profit maximization. Its structure allowed members—often consumers or community groups—to have a say in decision-making, aligning business operations with their interests. In 2007, United Co-operatives merged with other entities to form the Co-operative Group, creating one of the UK’s largest cooperative enterprises dedicated to ethical trading, social responsibility, and supporting local communities.