Announcing Limerick’s first workers cooperative seminar
Date: Saturday 27th October 2012.
Time: 10:30 am to 4pm.
Venue: University of Limerick- Kemmy Business School
Program (Draft): Click here
To mark the launch of Limericks first multi stake holder cooperative involving
producer, consumer, worker & community cooperatives - Meitheal Mid West and the Workers Cooperative Network are organising Limerick’s first workers cooperative seminar.
The seminar will be opened by Michael Noonan TD – Minister for Finance.
The new multi stake holder cooperative will drive sustainable employment in the biomass, electricity, horticulture and other sectors. It will also form a key component in the Cooperatives for Growth, Interreg bid, being led by the new Limerick Local Authority – in this the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2012.
If you would like to be involved in the development & ownership of Limerick’s cooperatives – this event is for you – unemployed and recent graduates most welcome. The event is free but register in advance here at the Workers Cooperative Network site -
Following on the success of last year’s visit to Limerick by the Mondragon Cooperative Corporation from the Spanish Basque country, this year we are inviting leading worker cooperatives from Britain and Ireland (North & South) to tell their story of how they built their businesses.
The Suma Cooperative
A Yorkshire workers coop with 125 owner workers, operating since 1981, t/o £33 million, 100% self financed with unbroken growth since inception. Suma is represented by Bob Cannell Bob is also a board member of the Worker Cooperatives Council, Cooperatives UK; CECOP, the European Federation of Worker Cooperatives, and executive member of CICOPA, the World Federation of Worker Cooperatives.
The Co-operative Banking Group is part of The Co-operative Group, the UK’s largest consumer co-operative. We are a group of businesses that includes The Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) and The Co-operative Bank including smile and Britannia. Proud to be Europe’s Most Sustainable Bank – Financial Times sustainable bank awards 2012.
Delta-T Devices Ltd.
Delta-T is a manufacturing co-op of 35 members, making scientific instruments for environmental science. They have been operating as a co-op for circa 40 years. Chris Nicholl will present on behalf of Delta-T.
Dulas Engineering
Formed in 1982 as a commercial subsidiary of the Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth, mid Wales. Dulas are pioneers of the renewable energy industry and operate across all areas of the renewable energy supply chain from feasibility and resources assessment right through to installation, operation and maintenance of systems throughout the UK and worldwide – in solar PV, wind, biomass, and hydro systems.
The Belfast Cleaning Cooperative
Founded in 2012, the Cleaning Cooperative is an interface worker cooperative comprising residents from the Falls & the Shankill. Alice McLarnon one of the founding members will present together with Stephen Nolan of Trademark Belfast.
The Northern Ireland Cooperative Forum
The Forum is the regional body representing the interests of existing and emerging co-operatives in Northern Ireland. Tiziana O’Hara, Development Officer, will present for the Forum.
Unicorn – Manchester’s Cooperative Grocery
BBC Radio 4 – The Food Programme Food awards – ‘Best Local retailer’ award 2008. Debbie Clarke will present on behalf of Unicorn.
Bridge Street Coop – Kenmare
Founded 2009, the Bridge street workers coop will be represented by Michael Gavin, a founding member and practising accountant. Michael will talk about the practical challenges in setting up a workers cooperative in the Republic.
RHS – Roscommon Home Services
Veronica Barrett CEO, will present on Irelands most successful client/community cooperative in the home & social care sector, with over 500 employees - (full & part time).