Highlands and Islands, 12-13 November 2024
Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise is hosting a free, two-day learning event. Attendees will visit and hear from co-operatives operating in Highland and Islands.
Starting in Inverness, the event runs 12 noon 12 November and finishes 1pm 13 November.
This event will be particularly beneficial to those who want to:
- Increase their knowledge and awareness of what co-ops are and the potential they have to create successful, fair and inclusive businesses.
- Share knowledge and ideas to benefit their business, or clients they may be advising.
- Build relationships with others in the co-op sector.
- Find out more about the support available to start or grow co-ops.
The event will include a workshop on how the co-operative model can create and sustain a successful, values-based business, the steps needed to start one, and the support available to do so.
This will be followed by presentations and visits to successful growing co-operative businesses who will share their learning and experience, giving helpful pointers of what has worked for them as well as exploring the challenges they have faced along the way.
On the evening of 12th November, CDS will host a dinner with a guest speaker Neil McInroy, global lead for the Democracy Collaboration and chair for Economic Development Association Scotland.
Who should attend
This event is open to:
- Anyone considering a new business who want to do things differently and adopt a fair, inclusive and democratic business model.
- Existing businesses who are looking for an alternative approach and are considering adopting a different business model.
- Community groups with an idea for a community owned business venture.
- Business advisors who would like to know more about co-ops to help support their client base.
- Please note this event is aimed at those working or living in Highland and Islands.
The line up
During this 2-day trip you will meet:
- Argyll and Isles Tourism Co-operative, the strategic destination management organisation for Argyll & the Isles on the West Coast of Scotland
- Highland Wholefoods, a workers co-operative situated in the city of Inverness who supply vegetarian, vegan, organic, ethical and environmentally friendly food, drinks and household products to customers in the Highlands, islands and north-east.
- Loch Ness Hub and Travel, a community benefit society operating as a community co-operative in Drumnadrochit, offering baggage and shuttle transfers for the Great Glen Way, e-bike hire and visitor information services.
- Great Glen Energy Co-op, an Industrial and Provident Society established for the purpose of owning a stake in the Millenium Wind farm near Invergarry.
Book your place via our Eventbrite page.
Full programme (Please note, timings are subject to change)
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Day 1: 12 November |
Day 2: 13 November |
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12 noon Networking lunch and introductions at Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness |
9am Travel* to Drumnadrochit, Glenurquhart Public Hall |
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Introductory Workshop on co-ops and support available from CDS and Highlands and Islands Enterprise |
Presentation from Great Glen Energy Co-op |
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Presentation from Argyll and Isles Tourism Co-operative |
Presentation from Loch Ness Hub and Travel |
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Presentation from Highland Wholefoods |
Visit to Loch Ness Hub and Travel |
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Travel* to Highland Wholefoods premises for visit |
Return to Glenurquhart Public Hall for closing discussion and networking lunch |
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Return travel to Hotel for Day 1 reflections and discussion |
1pm Event close approx. Return coach travel to Kingsmill Hotel |
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6:30pm Private dinner in hotel with guest speaker Neil McInroy, The Democracy Collaboration |
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Overnight stay at Hotel, if required. ** |
*We will provide coach travel from Kingsmill Hotel for participants, or you can arrange your own travel at your own cost.
**Hotel accommodation is limited and will be prioritised for those who have longer travel distances. Delegates do not have to stay and may travel home and return for day 2.
There will be a maximum of 30 participants.
Once you have booked your place on the learning journey, you will receive a confirmation email asking if you require coach travel, hotel accommodation etc.