As is the case when setting up any business, the more information you have, the better. Within the Co-op there is no shortage of help and advice available, but where and who you need to go to largely depends on the type of co-operative you want to set up.

An excellent starting point is the Co-ordination Unit at the Co-operative Union which promotes co-operative enterprise and encourages joint working between different types of co-operative business. It acts as a source of information for the Movement and will be able to put you in touch with organisations that can help you.

Contact the Unit on 0161 246 2900, e-mail enquiries@cooperatives-uk.coop

Credit Unions
If you are interested in setting up a credit union, contact the Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL) for guidance. Their number is 0161 832 3694, e-mail info@abcul.org or their web site is www.abcul.org

Housing
If you think the co-operative way could give you a solution to your housing management problems, get in touch with the Confederation of Co-operative Housing on 0161 232 1588, e-mail charlie@cch-uk.org or go to www.cch-uk.org

Worker Co-operatives / Employee Owned
If it's a worker co-op or an employee-owned business you're thinking of setting up then the Industrial Common Ownership Movement (ICOM) section of Co-operatives UK will have everything you need at its fingertips. Get in touch on 0161 246 2900. ICOM will also be able to put you in touch with your nearest Co-operative Development Agency.