Different types of Social Enterprise
Worker Co-operatives
Businesses owned by people who work in them. Control is democratic - one person, one vote. A wide range of legal structures is available for people setting up or converting to worker co-operatives. Advice is needed to help you choose the right structure. For example, co-operatives may be partnerships, guarantee companies or share companies.Housing Co-operatives
Housing controlled by the people who live there. People living in the accommodation jointly own and control the co-op, which in turn controls and manages the premises. Members are at one and the same time the landlord, manager and tenant. You can get more information on housing co-operatives from the Confederation of Co-operative HousingCommunity Co-operatives or Community Businesses
Businesses set up to provide services, benefits and employment for a local community or neighbourhood, often where there is a gap in the local economy. Profits are recycled for community benefit and members are people who live or work in the local community. These businesses are often also known as community enterprises.Marketing, Service or Secondary Co-operatives
Members can be individuals or businesses, who come together for mutual benefit. For example, to deliver contracts, for joint marketing, bulk buying or to share premises.Credit Unions
Financial co-operatives that bring people together to co-operatively save and borrow at low cost rates and to manage their finances. See Abcul