Co-operative Development Scotland

Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) is the arm of Scottish Enterprise working in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise that supports company growth through collaborative and employee ownership business models.

It also works in partnership with other organisations to support the development of community co-operatives such as renewable energy and broadband. Co-operative Development Scotland has two main work-streams that are showcased below.

Consortium co-operatives are established when businesses come together for a shared purpose; to buy or sell in scale, market more effectively, share facilities or jointly bid for contracts. By collaborating businesses can reduce costs, share risks and create new platforms for growth in the UK and internationally.

Click here to find out more about Consortium co-operatives.

Community co-operatives are set up to provide services to communities or develop a community enterprise in all sectors from utilities to distilleries. The model allows investment to be raised from individuals who, as owners, are involved in decision-making. Income may be invested back into community projects or distributed among members.

Click here to find out more about Community co-operatives.