Local co-operatives

Pages providing a listing of co-operatives grouped by trade sector.

The "Directory of Local Co-operatives and Social Enterprises" is also available as a pdf file (800 Kb) by following this link.

Co-operatives UK has a searchable national listing of co-operatives online at www.uk.coop.

If the drop down menu does not appear browse by category here

If the drop down meu does not appear browse the A to Z list here

ART & DESIGN

ART AND POWER (COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT) LTD

Art & Power is a Bristol-based group of disabled artists working together for change. Art & Power is based on a shared belief in the power of art to transform lives. Our projects give voice to those who are often excluded and devalued. Art & Power is not just for disabled people but for everyone who wants to use work with us to create a more vibrant and inclusive community. Art & Power is for everyone who thinks that the arts can help create a more equal society – we have opportunities for artists, volunteers and supporters and encourage everyone to get involved. We want everyone to have some Art & Power in their lives. Art & Power offer a high quality service of arts and education projects including arts apprenticeships and a professional arts scheme in performance, creative writing and visual arts. Not sure if it is for you? Try our Taster days and Workshops; it may help you to understand what Art & Power is all about. Find out your own voice and confidence to learn to take control. We are interested in you, your skills, your talents, your ideas, and your prospects. You decide, we support.
Contact: Martin Richmond, Spike Island, 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol, BS1 6UX Tel: 0117 946 8630
email: info@artandpower.com
website: www.artandpower.com

ARTSPACELIFESPACE

The Artspace Lifespace project seeks to provide workshop and rehearsal space for artists and performers, access to recycled materials and equipment, protection to vulnerable and problem properties and to support community and charitable organisations. It is our policy and commitment to maintain and leave a property in better condition than it was found, leave on time and in accordance with the wishes of the owner and improve the image of the property within the local community.
Contact: James Frances, The Island Silver Street Gate, Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 2PY Tel: 0117 3250169
email: info@artspacelifespace.com
website: www.artspacelifespace.com

ATTIC FUSION THEATRE CO-OPERATIVE LTD

email: info@atticfusion.co.uk
website: www.atticfusion.co.uk

BATH FRINGE LTD

View full listing under LEISURE

BLAZE STUDIOS

Blaze, which opened in December 2002 is the unique combination of studio workshops and gallery outlet, situated in central Bristol. Blaze consists of six artists: ceramicists Hanne Rysgaard, Hannah Turner and Natsu Nishimoto, textile artist Erin Hensley, lampwork Jeweller, Georgina Black and Jeweller, Hannah Currant. Blaze provides its members with shared workshop facilities, a creative group environment and the opportunity to sell work straight from the premises in a gallery setting. The individual work of the members is continually showcased and spans a wide range of approaches and techniques. Blaze also features special work from established, as well as up and coming artists, in a variety of mediums. Opening times: Tuesday - Saturday 10.30am - 5.30pm
Contact: Hanne Rysgaard, 84 Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AZ Tel: 0117 904 7067
email: blazestudio84@googlemail.com
website: www.blazestudio.co.uk

CENTRESPACE GALLERY

Centrespace Gallery is an independent exhibition space to rent in the heart of Bristol, next to the historic city walls. The ethos of the gallery is to show fresh and interesting work, with a preference for encouraging up and coming artists. If you are interested in holding a solo or group show, would like to view the space, or request further information please contact us on the details below.
Contact: Committee Members, 6 Leonard Lane, (off Corn Street), Bristol, BS1 1EA
email: info@centrespacegallery.com
website: www.centrespacegallery.com

CENTRESPACE STUDIOS CO-OPERATIVE

Centrespace began life as Bristol Craft & Design Centre in 1977 when an old printing works in the heart of the city was converted into studios. Within the centre, managed co-operatively by its tenants, are 25 individual businesses covering a wide spectrum and high standard of creative skills - ceramics, graphic design, textiles and fashion, illustration, jewellery, modelmaking, animation, painting, photography, sculpture, upholstery, woodcarving and furniture design. In 2001 Centrespace expanded its interests to include a gallery space. Please see under separate directory listing for details. Centrespace welcomes your enquiries.
Contact: Kate Shrubsall, 6 Leonard Lane, off Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1EA Tel: 0117 929 1234
email:kate.shrubsall@cspace.gotadsl.co.uk

CIRQUE IDYLLIC

Cirque Idyllic was formed in Autumn 2002. A collaborative collective of 12 artists and technicians emerging from diverse specialities, including new circus, radical theatre and music. Sharing a passion for burlesque style performance and renewable energy powered productions. The company has a DIY ethos, preferring to tailor make what they need, be it music, costumes or technical kit. Wherever possible they use reclaimed and recycled materials. Every member of the company has a creative voice and works with a director, but everyone takes part in the devising process.
Contact: Nix Barnaville, Nibley Mill Cottage, Hope Road, Nibley, Nr. Yate, BS37 5JH
email: cirqueidyllic@yahoo.com

DK CO-OPERATIVE

DK Co-operative make high art prints on paper and canvas. Using cutting edge technology we photograph original art work and create beautiful prints to your specified size. They can also print directly from supplied image file. Other services offered include photographic documentation of museum collections and graphic design for a range of clients.
Contact: Katherine Cockshaw, Hall Floor, 22 York Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5QE Tel: 01225 333177
email: kath@fapc.co.uk
website: www.fapc.co.uk

FOREST OF AVON WOOD PRODUCTS CO-OPERATIVE

View full listing under GOING GREEN

GREEN ARTS NETWORK

Green Arts Network Co-operative Limited supports the work of creative practitioners, working to build sustainable communities. Green Arts Network works in partnership with organisations (for example, Festival of Nature and Bristol Friends of the Earth,) bringing participatory events to people in public spaces. The new Co-op encourages a diverse membership of people and organisations to join.
Contact: Jim O’Shaunessy, 43 Allington Rd, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1PT Tel: 0117 9664318
email: jim.os@blueyonder.co.uk

GYNORMOUS RAWKUS

A group of artists working with communities to create arts events. Set up as a collective, the group specialise in carnival processions and giant puppetry. The range of services includes working in social contexts such as adventure playgrounds, community centres and schools’ exclusion units. Gynormous Rawkus also offers commission and workshops for giant making, 3D model making, mask making, willow sculpture, giant puppet performance and festival co-ordination.
Contact: Dee Moxton
email: Deemoxon@bigfoot.com

HERE SHOP

Anyone can get involved with the here shop and gallery. Here formed during Ladyfest 2003 by local artists who wanted to do more with one of Stokes Croft’s empty shopfronts. The gallery curates groundbreaking exhibitions from local and international artists, whilst the shop sells art, music, comics, zines, clothes, toys and more. Volunteers are always welcomed, and after six months are invited to join our Co-operative.
Contact: Ben O’Leary, 108 Stokes Croft, , Bristol, BS1 3RU Tel: 0117 942 2222
email: shop@thingsfromhere.co.uk
website: www.thingsfromhere.co.uk

ONCE

Exploring and making the day to day and the extraordinary of our lives, Once uses varied art forms to create bespoke projects, interventions, performances, secular ceremonies and events. Often reaching into areas traditionally perceived beyond the realm of the arts, Once provides practical roles for artists to contribute to and support our ever changing lives and environments. From Youth art in the park or the naming of a child, to celebration of a river, Once responds to commissions and develop their own programme.
Contact: Rebecca Gee, 300 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1JU
email: info.once@gmail.com
website: www.once.uk.com

OUT OF PRINT CARDS

Out of Print cards is a co-operative publishing business. Local artists publish their art work in card form, and these are distributed through shops and galleries. We sell cards and specialise in transparency prints of stained glass art work.
Contact: Steve Heigham, 25 Narroways Road, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9XB Tel: 0117 955 9991
email: stevenarroways@lineone.net

POTTERS

View full listing under SHOPPING WITH A DIFFERENCE

SNAP

SNAP Studio is an exciting new venture, set up by 8 Bristol based artists and designers. In the gallery you will find a diverse mixture of printed works, from screen prints, relief prints, artists’ books, textiles and greetings cards, much of it produced on the premises. Snap offers it full members a permanent studio space, and unlimited access to the print workshop and print facilities. All full members’ work is on continuous show at the SNAP gallery, and collections are also exhibited at various other venues and art fairs. Snap offers introductory courses in screen printing and bookbinding, to novices, artists, families and the just plain interested. SNAP look forward to opening its workshop space to associate members in the near future. The 8 SNAP artists are David Abbott, Frea Buckler, Alice Coutin, Freya Cumming, Tortie Rye, Rob Hunter, Simon Tozer and Lucie Sheridan.
Contact: Frea Buckler, 20-21 Lower Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5BN
email: snap@snapstudio.org.uk
website: www.snapstudio.org.uk

SPIKE PRINT STUDIO

Established in 1976, Spike Island Printmakers is based at Spike Island, an international centre for contemporary art, and is housed in a converted tea-packing warehouse. SIP is the largest open access studio in the SW and an active educational programme ensures that anyone who has an interest can master printmaking techniques. At the same time many of its members are artists and the facilities and expertise on offer allow them to be experimental and innovative in a way that would not be possible if working in isolation. SIP benefits from an active exchange with other Spike artists as well as with those working in the wider community and abroad. New artists are fostered through a programme of bursaries for graduates and there is an ongoing programme of international residency artists. SIP provides studio space for fine art printmaking, facilities for etching, relief, screen printing and a digital darkroom. It currently has 135 members, which continues to rise steadily, and key holders have 24 hour access to the studio.
Contact: Irena Czapska, 131 Cumberland Rd, Bristol, BS1 6UX Tel: 0117 9290135
email: spikeprint@btconnect.com
website: www.spikeprintstudio.org

STEAL FROM WORK

Steal From Work is an artist run co-operative that both curates and produces contemporary art shows and produces its own art.
Contact: Jonathan Boyle, 27 Bruce Avenue, Greenbank, Bristol, BS5 6EF
email: stealfromwork@gmail.com
website: www.stealfromwork.org

STOKES CROFT STUDIOS

Stokes Croft Studios is an artists’ co-operative, which has been on the top floor of 77-79 Stokes Croft for over 20 years. We provide light, spacious and affordable working space for 16 artists. Current tenants work in paint, print, glass and sculpture. The studio is near the city centre, and a valuable base for local artists. They open at least once a year to the public to show their work and to provide an opportunity for sales and networking.
Contact: Megan Boyd, 77-79 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RD Tel: 0117 924 6832 studio
email: meganthomasart@hotmail.co.uk

BOAT BUILDING & REPAIRS

THE SLIPWAY CO-OPERATIVE LTD

The Slipway Co-operative provides boat building and joinery services at Underfall Yard in Bristol’s harbourside.
Contact: Win Cnoops, Underfall Yard Cumberland Road, Bristol, BS1 6XG Tel: 0117 9079938
email: wcnoops@blueyonder.co.uk
website: www.slipwaycooperative.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES

A CLEAN SWEEP CO-OPERATIVE LTD

View full listing under CLEANING

BAKER BROWN ASSOCIATES

View full listing under HELP FOR CO-OPERATIVES

BATH CAR SHARE CLUB LIMITED

View full listing under GETTING AROUND

BATH PARADE GUIDES

View full listing under LEISURE

BEAUFORT BUREAU LTD

Established since 1992, we offer a wide range of office services, from photocopying to temporary staff, at extremely competitive rates. We provide computer courses tailored for individuals and groups, and are members of the CVS Learning Provision and Support Network. The Bureau is practised in organising and facilitating community events such as Wellbeing Days. We are also skilled in Mystery Shopping and Telephone Survey Services. Individuals can receive unbiased careers service information and advice at a reasonable cost from staff qualified in Advice and Guidance.
Contact: Jenny Harris, Tel: 01454 238411
email: beaubureau@aol.com

BRISTOL IT CO-OP

The members of Bristol IT co-op have a lot of experience in delivering IT solutions in a voluntary sector environment. We offer a low cost Consultancy that hopefully results in clients feeling confident about using and maintaining the systems and hardware they acquire through their association with us. This combined with training aimed specifically at voluntary sector professionals hopefully offers you a unique opportunity to take advantage of new technologies at a much lower cost than has been previously available commercially.
Contact: Sean Kenny, 44 Langton Park, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1EQ
email: info@bitcoop.co.uk
website: www.bitcoop.co.uk

COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (BRAVE LTD)

View full listing under HELP FOR CO-OPERATIVES

CO-OPPORTUNITY LTD

View full listing under HELP FOR CO-OPERATIVES

ECOSULIS

View full listing under GOING GREEN

IAP SERVICES LTD

IAP Services Ltd is a workers co-op established in 1998 and owned and run by local IT professionals. Its members’ skill base includes web site development, client server computing, database design, hardware supply and custom upgrades. We specialise in the supply of computer hardware and software packages to children in foster care and also for children with learning difficulties and disabilities, and provide training and support. We also set up and maintain small office networks.
Contact: Marcus, Yate Campus, 10 North Road, Yate, South Glos, BS37 7PA Tel: 0117 944390
email: marcus@iapuk.biz
website: www.iapservices.co.uk

JIGSAW CATERING CO-OPERATIVE

View full listing under FOOD, EATING & DRINKING

TURO TECHNOLOGY LLP

Turo Technology provides a host of services ranging from website design, programming, online shops, library catalogues, email and server management services, telephone services and consultancy work. For more information please contact.
Contact: MJ Ray, 36 Orchard Close, Kewstoke, Weston super mare, BS22 9XY Tel: 0844 4437 237
email: info@ttllp.co.uk
website: www.ttllp.co.uk

CLEANING

A CLEAN SWEEP CO-OPERATIVE LTD

A Clean Sweep Co-operative is an office cleaning company set up to create opportunities for people with a disability to work. Established over 10 years ago, Clean Sweep specialises in small office cleaning contracts, offering excellent service and excellent rates.
Contact: Debbie Curwen, Room 8, Unit 11, The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ Tel: 0117 9655623

HOUSEPROUD (SERENDIPITY CO-OP LTD)

Their professional teams will make your house sparkle. Just call them and a uniformed team will arrive at your home together with their equipment and materials. Their professional system will clean your home quickly and efficiently. Most customers have the service on a regular basis. It can be weekly, fortnightly or whatever suits you. Some jobs can be quoted for on the telephone but, if you prefer, someone will visit your home to discuss your requirements. Their teams are fully trained and, for your peace of mind, they are also insured against any accident in your home.
Contact: Esther Bowes, Nelson Court, 1-3 Nelson Road, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5HX Tel: 0117 970 8065

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