Another hugely successful Co-op Congress concluded at the weekend bringing together co-operative leaders, innovators, policymakers, campaigners and community organisations from across the UK and beyond for two days of debate, collaboration and action.
Held under the theme ‘Co-operate, and we can change the world’, Congress 2026 highlighted how co-operatives are offering practical, values‑driven responses to today’s social, economic and environmental challenges. Across the programme, speakers explored the role of community ownership, local economic development, the future of work, the energy transition and democratic participation in building stronger, more resilient communities.
Congress opened with a powerful performance from renowned Manchester poet Tony Walsh, who delivered This Beautiful Idea, specially adapted for the occasion with new lines reflecting the global co-operative movement. His performance set an optimistic tone for an event centred on community power, creativity and collective action.
Tony then joined an opening panel hosted by Co-operatives UK CEO Rose Marley, alongside actor and activist Julie Hesmondhalgh, Oldham Coliseum Chief Executive Martina Murphy and Kings Heath Community Centre’s Lisa Trickett. The panel explored how culture, creativity and co-operation can strengthen communities and drive positive social change.
Across the two days, delegates heard from leaders in business, politics, culture and civil society, including Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, who referenced the support of acclaimed writer and creator Steven Knight, whose global hit TV series and film Peaky Blinders has helped support young talent in the region.
A keynote address by Manchester-born Rachel Blake MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to growing the co-operative and mutual sector and its ambition to double its size. Speaking to delegates, Rachel announced plans to appoint a Government Co-operatives and Mutuals Champion to help raise the sector’s profile and represent its interests across government.
The event was organised by Co-operatives UK and proudly sponsored by The Co-operative Bank, which came back into mutual ownership in 2025 after being acquired by Coventry Building Society.
A recurring message throughout Congress was the opportunity for co-operatives to lead solutions to some of society’s biggest challenges – from community energy and local wealth-building, to youth engagement and collective ownership models that keep power and value rooted in local communities.
Workshops, networking sessions and panel discussions gave delegates time to share learning, build partnerships and identify new opportunities for collaboration. Congress also welcomed young co-operators through the National Youth Summit, ensuring the voice of the next generation remains central to the movement’s future.
Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, based in Manchester said: “This year’s Co-op Congress showed the incredible energy, creativity and determination that exists across our movement. At a time when communities are looking for fairer and more sustainable ways of doing business, co-operatives offer practical solutions that put people at the heart of the economy.
“From community-owned energy and housing to worker co-operatives, social enterprise and local wealth-building, the ideas and partnerships showcased in Birmingham demonstrated what is possible when people come together around shared values and shared ownership. Congress reminded us that co-operation is not simply an ideal – it is a proven way to create lasting change.”
Congress also heard that Co-operatives UK and Social Enterprise UK will partner to co‑produce the UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026, which will take place on Thursday 12 November 2026 at New Century Hall in Manchester’s Co-operative Quarter – the first time the UK’s flagship celebration of social enterprise will be hosted outside London.
Delegates left energised and united around a shared ambition to grow the co-operative economy and increase the movement’s impact across the UK and internationally.
The message running throughout the event was clear: by working together, sharing ownership and embracing co-operative values, communities have the power to create lasting change.
Co-operate, and we can change the world.
