James Wright
@jameslwright.bsky.social
Mostly co-ops, policy and the better world that is probably possible
Great to be watching @jimmcmahon.co.uk and fellow MPs discuss what government is doing, and can do, to grow the co-operative sector this afternoon:
whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal53211
whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal53211
Westminster Hall debate - What's on - UK Parliament
Government support for the co-operative sector
whatson.parliament.uk
October 21, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Great to be watching @jimmcmahon.co.uk and fellow MPs discuss what government is doing, and can do, to grow the co-operative sector this afternoon:
whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal53211
whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal53211
100% agree strategic authorities should have a duty to target inclusive growth.
The English Devo Bill could rewire economies for people. With @sianberry.bsky.social we're tabling three improvements:
🪙 New clause 31: Community wealth building
❤️ Amendment 255: Health & wellbeing in all policies
🤝 New schedule 1 & new clause 29: Inclusive economies
✒️ cles.org.uk/blog/lets-do...
🪙 New clause 31: Community wealth building
❤️ Amendment 255: Health & wellbeing in all policies
🤝 New schedule 1 & new clause 29: Inclusive economies
✒️ cles.org.uk/blog/lets-do...
October 20, 2025 at 7:28 PM
100% agree strategic authorities should have a duty to target inclusive growth.
Reposted by James Wright
We're empowering people in Islington to kick-start co-ops with the help of @IslingtonBC.
Join a FREE workshop, 20 November, to receive 1:1 support funded by #UKSPF
Support delivered through our Business Support for Co-ops programme visit: buff.ly/HtBfmdZ
#UKSPF #coops
Join a FREE workshop, 20 November, to receive 1:1 support funded by #UKSPF
Support delivered through our Business Support for Co-ops programme visit: buff.ly/HtBfmdZ
#UKSPF #coops
October 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM
We're empowering people in Islington to kick-start co-ops with the help of @IslingtonBC.
Join a FREE workshop, 20 November, to receive 1:1 support funded by #UKSPF
Support delivered through our Business Support for Co-ops programme visit: buff.ly/HtBfmdZ
#UKSPF #coops
Join a FREE workshop, 20 November, to receive 1:1 support funded by #UKSPF
Support delivered through our Business Support for Co-ops programme visit: buff.ly/HtBfmdZ
#UKSPF #coops
Vital that we connect co-op development to the community energy revolution
One week to book - FREE webinar! 🌱 Discover how co-ops drive climate action with Marianne Brown (Bristol Energy Co-op) & Jonathan Atkinson (People Powered Retrofit).
📆 15 Oct, 10:30–12:00
👉 buff.ly/0w0I8oI
In partnership with the Centre for Democratic Business, funding from The Co-operative Bank.
📆 15 Oct, 10:30–12:00
👉 buff.ly/0w0I8oI
In partnership with the Centre for Democratic Business, funding from The Co-operative Bank.
October 8, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Vital that we connect co-op development to the community energy revolution
Reposted by James Wright
One week to book - FREE webinar! 🌱 Discover how co-ops drive climate action with Marianne Brown (Bristol Energy Co-op) & Jonathan Atkinson (People Powered Retrofit).
📆 15 Oct, 10:30–12:00
👉 buff.ly/0w0I8oI
In partnership with the Centre for Democratic Business, funding from The Co-operative Bank.
📆 15 Oct, 10:30–12:00
👉 buff.ly/0w0I8oI
In partnership with the Centre for Democratic Business, funding from The Co-operative Bank.
October 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM
One week to book - FREE webinar! 🌱 Discover how co-ops drive climate action with Marianne Brown (Bristol Energy Co-op) & Jonathan Atkinson (People Powered Retrofit).
📆 15 Oct, 10:30–12:00
👉 buff.ly/0w0I8oI
In partnership with the Centre for Democratic Business, funding from The Co-operative Bank.
📆 15 Oct, 10:30–12:00
👉 buff.ly/0w0I8oI
In partnership with the Centre for Democratic Business, funding from The Co-operative Bank.
Ownership is strength. If we want a strong country we need to reclaim control of our infrastructure and services.
Welcome to Rip-Off Britain.
A country remade by privatisation.
Our latest project — Who Owns Britain? — explores how a radical experiment transformed our society and shapes your life.
🧵
A country remade by privatisation.
Our latest project — Who Owns Britain? — explores how a radical experiment transformed our society and shapes your life.
🧵
September 30, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Ownership is strength. If we want a strong country we need to reclaim control of our infrastructure and services.
We at #Labour Conference with the Salford Mayor and GMCA lead for housing Paul Dennett, and brilliant @cooperativesuk.bsky.social members People Powered Retrofit and Community Energy England taking about retrofit co-ops.
September 29, 2025 at 2:24 PM
We at #Labour Conference with the Salford Mayor and GMCA lead for housing Paul Dennett, and brilliant @cooperativesuk.bsky.social members People Powered Retrofit and Community Energy England taking about retrofit co-ops.
Huge thanks to @andrewpakes.bsky.social for joining the coop and mutual crew at #Labour Conference. How do we mainstream coops and mutuals in policy? "The door is ajar, its up to us need to keep it open." Sound advice.
September 28, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Huge thanks to @andrewpakes.bsky.social for joining the coop and mutual crew at #Labour Conference. How do we mainstream coops and mutuals in policy? "The door is ajar, its up to us need to keep it open." Sound advice.
Reposted by James Wright
We're at the upcoming Labour Party Conference and we're especially looking forward to the following events with our partners. See below and see full details in the conference programme... #labourconference #coops #CoopEconomy #memberowned #cooperatives
September 26, 2025 at 2:09 PM
We're at the upcoming Labour Party Conference and we're especially looking forward to the following events with our partners. See below and see full details in the conference programme... #labourconference #coops #CoopEconomy #memberowned #cooperatives
Reposted by James Wright
The Pride in Place programme's investment in 330 disadvantaged neighbourhoods could be hugely significant. The answers to the problems we face are in local communities.
To unlock this potential, the government must learn lessons from previous programmes and embed community control and ownership.
To unlock this potential, the government must learn lessons from previous programmes and embed community control and ownership.
Building Thriving Neighbourhoods: The Locality Manifesto - Locality
Through the new Locality Manifesto, we’re calling for a “community power revolution”. We know that local communities are best placed to transform lives and create a fairer society.
bit.ly
September 25, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The Pride in Place programme's investment in 330 disadvantaged neighbourhoods could be hugely significant. The answers to the problems we face are in local communities.
To unlock this potential, the government must learn lessons from previous programmes and embed community control and ownership.
To unlock this potential, the government must learn lessons from previous programmes and embed community control and ownership.
1/ Pride in Place programme has massive potential to:
👭Empower communities to change things for the better
🏫Democratise ownership and control of local assets
With a major role for co-ops and mutuals
www.gov.uk/government/n...
👭Empower communities to change things for the better
🏫Democratise ownership and control of local assets
With a major role for co-ops and mutuals
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Communities to seize control over high streets and restore pride
Local communities will be handed new powers to revitalise their high streets and restore pride in their towns.
www.gov.uk
September 26, 2025 at 8:24 AM
1/ Pride in Place programme has massive potential to:
👭Empower communities to change things for the better
🏫Democratise ownership and control of local assets
With a major role for co-ops and mutuals
www.gov.uk/government/n...
👭Empower communities to change things for the better
🏫Democratise ownership and control of local assets
With a major role for co-ops and mutuals
www.gov.uk/government/n...
And co-ops and mutuals make a outsized contribution to GDP, while paying higher wages, reducing inequality, addressing market failures and increasing resilience and social cohesion!
📢 New data out today: The UK’s co-operative and mutual economy is a £179bn force for change.
10,000+ businesses. 1.5 million jobs.
Find out why our movement is doing business better - and share far and wide: www.uk.coop/news/record-... #CoopEconomy #Coops
10,000+ businesses. 1.5 million jobs.
Find out why our movement is doing business better - and share far and wide: www.uk.coop/news/record-... #CoopEconomy #Coops
September 23, 2025 at 8:18 AM
And co-ops and mutuals make a outsized contribution to GDP, while paying higher wages, reducing inequality, addressing market failures and increasing resilience and social cohesion!
Reposted by James Wright
📻 All about people coming together to take ownership and control of the businesses and places that matter to them.
Our CEO @rosemarley.bsky.social was excellent on BBC Radio 4 this morning.
Listen back from 7.21am: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#Coops #CoopEconomy
Our CEO @rosemarley.bsky.social was excellent on BBC Radio 4 this morning.
Listen back from 7.21am: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#Coops #CoopEconomy
Radio 4 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds
Listen live to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds
bbc.co.uk
September 22, 2025 at 7:21 AM
📻 All about people coming together to take ownership and control of the businesses and places that matter to them.
Our CEO @rosemarley.bsky.social was excellent on BBC Radio 4 this morning.
Listen back from 7.21am: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#Coops #CoopEconomy
Our CEO @rosemarley.bsky.social was excellent on BBC Radio 4 this morning.
Listen back from 7.21am: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#Coops #CoopEconomy
Reposted by James Wright
🚨 Urgent: The final vote on Scotland’s Housing Bill is 23 Sept.
This is the last chance to secure amendments that strengthen co-operative housing in Scotland.
📩 We're calling on our Scottish members to contact their MSPs using our template email: buff.ly/CARUrpu
#Coops #HousingBill #Scotland
This is the last chance to secure amendments that strengthen co-operative housing in Scotland.
📩 We're calling on our Scottish members to contact their MSPs using our template email: buff.ly/CARUrpu
#Coops #HousingBill #Scotland
September 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM
🚨 Urgent: The final vote on Scotland’s Housing Bill is 23 Sept.
This is the last chance to secure amendments that strengthen co-operative housing in Scotland.
📩 We're calling on our Scottish members to contact their MSPs using our template email: buff.ly/CARUrpu
#Coops #HousingBill #Scotland
This is the last chance to secure amendments that strengthen co-operative housing in Scotland.
📩 We're calling on our Scottish members to contact their MSPs using our template email: buff.ly/CARUrpu
#Coops #HousingBill #Scotland
Reposted by James Wright
📢 Credit unions: Our new partnership with ABCUL means their members can now join Co-operatives UK at 50% off:
🛠️ Boost governance
📈 Stay aligned with PRA expectations
👥 Strengthen your Board
👉 Visit buff.ly/CwWFmzs
#CreditUnions #Coops #BoardEffectiveness #PRAready
🛠️ Boost governance
📈 Stay aligned with PRA expectations
👥 Strengthen your Board
👉 Visit buff.ly/CwWFmzs
#CreditUnions #Coops #BoardEffectiveness #PRAready
August 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM
📢 Credit unions: Our new partnership with ABCUL means their members can now join Co-operatives UK at 50% off:
🛠️ Boost governance
📈 Stay aligned with PRA expectations
👥 Strengthen your Board
👉 Visit buff.ly/CwWFmzs
#CreditUnions #Coops #BoardEffectiveness #PRAready
🛠️ Boost governance
📈 Stay aligned with PRA expectations
👥 Strengthen your Board
👉 Visit buff.ly/CwWFmzs
#CreditUnions #Coops #BoardEffectiveness #PRAready
This kind of capital raising to fund expansion, is critical to a larger more impactful mutual economy. It needs to be an option for a wider range of coops and mutuals.
share.google/EHkN4F1lWNGY...
share.google/EHkN4F1lWNGY...
Second CCDS offer from Ecology Building Society now open
Ecology Building Society is looking to raise up to £6.5m of additional capital to support the next phase of its ambitious growth plans
share.google
August 14, 2025 at 7:39 AM
This kind of capital raising to fund expansion, is critical to a larger more impactful mutual economy. It needs to be an option for a wider range of coops and mutuals.
share.google/EHkN4F1lWNGY...
share.google/EHkN4F1lWNGY...
Proscribing Palestine Action as 'terrorist' awful. It was criminal damage as direct action protest. Calling it terrorism is overkill and risks making the term meaningless, when it should refer to something really horrible and extreme: harming innocents to create and then leverage terror.
June 26, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Proscribing Palestine Action as 'terrorist' awful. It was criminal damage as direct action protest. Calling it terrorism is overkill and risks making the term meaningless, when it should refer to something really horrible and extreme: harming innocents to create and then leverage terror.
GMCA is very lucky to have strong local credit unions, working together through a consortium, in partnership with a pioneering local retrofit co-op. This degree of co-operative capability doesn't appear over night and needs to be nurtured.
Greater Manchester #creditunions consortium SoundPound works with combined authority mayor Andy Burnham and People Powered Retrofit co-op on green home improvement loans #coops #retrofit
Soundpound credit unions work with Manchester mayor on green home loans
Greater Manchester credit unions work with regional authority and retrofit co-op to offer green home improvement loans
www.thenews.coop
June 11, 2025 at 4:07 PM
GMCA is very lucky to have strong local credit unions, working together through a consortium, in partnership with a pioneering local retrofit co-op. This degree of co-operative capability doesn't appear over night and needs to be nurtured.
Today is the day. I don't expect detailed allocations of funding for co-op development in the Spending Review. But I am hoping to see statements of policy that some of the funding for business support, the British Business Bank, clean power and housing, will be used in ways that enable co-ops.
👇 tomorrow is the day... #SpendingReview
We're calling for bold co-operative investment in the 2025 Spending Review, delivered on Wednesday. #Coops boost productivity, build resilience & keep wealth local — but need support to have even more impact.
📝 Read a blog from our Policy Lead covering our asks of government.
🔗 buff.ly/xCg3CxV
📝 Read a blog from our Policy Lead covering our asks of government.
🔗 buff.ly/xCg3CxV
June 11, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Today is the day. I don't expect detailed allocations of funding for co-op development in the Spending Review. But I am hoping to see statements of policy that some of the funding for business support, the British Business Bank, clean power and housing, will be used in ways that enable co-ops.
Reposted by James Wright
We're calling for bold co-operative investment in the 2025 Spending Review, delivered on Wednesday. #Coops boost productivity, build resilience & keep wealth local — but need support to have even more impact.
📝 Read a blog from our Policy Lead covering our asks of government.
🔗 buff.ly/xCg3CxV
📝 Read a blog from our Policy Lead covering our asks of government.
🔗 buff.ly/xCg3CxV
June 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
We're calling for bold co-operative investment in the 2025 Spending Review, delivered on Wednesday. #Coops boost productivity, build resilience & keep wealth local — but need support to have even more impact.
📝 Read a blog from our Policy Lead covering our asks of government.
🔗 buff.ly/xCg3CxV
📝 Read a blog from our Policy Lead covering our asks of government.
🔗 buff.ly/xCg3CxV
Awesome to feel the Scottish coop sector get a bit more pumped about their own brilliance, and the global coop family. Helped along by @rosemarley.bsky.social
June 5, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Awesome to feel the Scottish coop sector get a bit more pumped about their own brilliance, and the global coop family. Helped along by @rosemarley.bsky.social
Reposted by James Wright
🗳️ Scottish co-operatives – we need your voice!
The deadline for your feedback on the Community Wealth Building Bill is fast approaching.
The Community Wealth Building Bill could boost #coops. Help shape how.
📅 Have your say by 19 May
👉https://buff.ly/LpwKhGr
#Coops #FairerScotland #CWB #CoopEconomy
The deadline for your feedback on the Community Wealth Building Bill is fast approaching.
The Community Wealth Building Bill could boost #coops. Help shape how.
📅 Have your say by 19 May
👉https://buff.ly/LpwKhGr
#Coops #FairerScotland #CWB #CoopEconomy
May 12, 2025 at 1:01 PM
🗳️ Scottish co-operatives – we need your voice!
The deadline for your feedback on the Community Wealth Building Bill is fast approaching.
The Community Wealth Building Bill could boost #coops. Help shape how.
📅 Have your say by 19 May
👉https://buff.ly/LpwKhGr
#Coops #FairerScotland #CWB #CoopEconomy
The deadline for your feedback on the Community Wealth Building Bill is fast approaching.
The Community Wealth Building Bill could boost #coops. Help shape how.
📅 Have your say by 19 May
👉https://buff.ly/LpwKhGr
#Coops #FairerScotland #CWB #CoopEconomy
Reposted by James Wright
The BBC is in crisis: captured by elites, isolated from the public & failing in the digital age
If the BBC is going to survive it must be transformed into a new kind of institution
Our new report w/ @cmmonwealth.bsky.social on how to mutualise the BBC, giving the public real ownership & power:
If the BBC is going to survive it must be transformed into a new kind of institution
Our new report w/ @cmmonwealth.bsky.social on how to mutualise the BBC, giving the public real ownership & power:
Our Mutual Friend: The BBC in the Digital Age | Briefing | Common Wealth
The upcoming BBC Charter Review is an opportunity to transform the BBC into a public service mutual, founded on a genuinely democratic relationship with the public.
www.common-wealth.org
May 8, 2025 at 12:10 PM
The BBC is in crisis: captured by elites, isolated from the public & failing in the digital age
If the BBC is going to survive it must be transformed into a new kind of institution
Our new report w/ @cmmonwealth.bsky.social on how to mutualise the BBC, giving the public real ownership & power:
If the BBC is going to survive it must be transformed into a new kind of institution
Our new report w/ @cmmonwealth.bsky.social on how to mutualise the BBC, giving the public real ownership & power:
Reposted by James Wright
💬 In our response to the Department for Business consultation on access to finance for small businesses, we shared insights from the co-operative sector. Co-operatives want to grow - but finance is holding us back. 🧵(1/5)
May 8, 2025 at 8:57 AM
💬 In our response to the Department for Business consultation on access to finance for small businesses, we shared insights from the co-operative sector. Co-operatives want to grow - but finance is holding us back. 🧵(1/5)
Independent research by WPI Economics finds that:
📈co-ops and mutuals make outsized contribution to growth
🌏while also delivering for people and planet
💳but the fastest growing mutuals are held back most by barriers to finance
www.uk.coop/news/governm...
📈co-ops and mutuals make outsized contribution to growth
🌏while also delivering for people and planet
💳but the fastest growing mutuals are held back most by barriers to finance
www.uk.coop/news/governm...
April 9, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Independent research by WPI Economics finds that:
📈co-ops and mutuals make outsized contribution to growth
🌏while also delivering for people and planet
💳but the fastest growing mutuals are held back most by barriers to finance
www.uk.coop/news/governm...
📈co-ops and mutuals make outsized contribution to growth
🌏while also delivering for people and planet
💳but the fastest growing mutuals are held back most by barriers to finance
www.uk.coop/news/governm...