Co-operative and Mutual Economy 2024

The Co-op and Mutual Economy 2024 provides a combined, comprehensive and up-to-date dataset on the democratic economy. It details both the size and impact of the co-op and mutual sector across the UK providing a baseline from which the performance of the sector can be measured.  The report includes detail of the combined co-op and mutual sector and the co-operative sector in isolation. There is also a regional overview which provides insight to each area of the UK including Scotland.

The report is produced annually by Co-operatives UK, the membership body representing co-operatives across the UK. The full methodology is detailed in the report.

The Co-operative and Mutual Economy Report 2024, states there are 9,342 co-operatives and mutuals across the UK and they have produced a record, combined income of £165.7 billion. These organisations employ over 1.3 million people.

Key findings specific to the co-operative sector include:

• There are 7,370 co-ops across the UK with a turnover £42.7 billion
• Co-operatives across the UK have 15 million members
• More than three quarters of co-op start-ups (81.2%) are still flourishing after the difficult first five years compared with 39.6% of all new companies.
• Scotland is the second performing region for new co-op set up with 1.9 new starts per 100,00 population over 5 years.
• There 595 co-ops in Scotland with an income of 1.9bn
• 8,382 people in Scotland work for a co-op

The report highlights the resilience of the sector. Despite the challenging economic environment, co-ops continue to expand their reach and impact and the findings demonstrate that co-operatives offer a powerful model for addressing social economic and environmental challenges.

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