Community Britain: North West

Join us in central Manchester on Saturday 11 July for a day of ideas, inspiration, and practical action as members, activists and leaders come together to explore how co-operation can shape stronger communities and influence national policy.

Programme*

Morning: Welcome, stories & real-world impact

• Our work in Government: We kick off the day with an energising welcome from Jim McMahon MP, our Party Chair, who’ll set the tone for collaboration, community pride and shared purpose as he updates members on the Co-operative Party’s work across Government since the 2024 General Election, and delivery on ambitious commitments to co-operatives and mutuals across Government departments.
• Community Britain in action: Hear powerful stories from members across the region as they explore the Community Britain campaign, highlighting how co-operative values are making a real difference across the North West by bringing people together to create stronger, more connected communities with Cllr Bev Craig, Leader Manchester City Council,  Cllr Arooj Shah, Oldham Town Hall and Bill Lovat, community housing across Greater Manchester.
• Local Power Plan– hear more on how communities can deliver on the Government’s £1-billion commitment to fund community energy projects with Gareth Dowling, Co-operative Party Local Government Officer
• Community Britain in Local Government: Councillors are playing a pivotal role working with community groups to identify, purchase and operate community businesses which serve the needs of local residents. Councillors from across our region share real-life stories – whether from in power or in opposition – and the challenges and solutions faced with Cllr Kath Bromfield, Middleton Co-operating and Dan Price (invited), Mayoral Candidate for Cheshire and Warrington.

Afternoon: From ideas to action

After lunch, the focus shifts from inspiration to practical change, with:

• Society update: Get the latest progress and priorities from the Co-op Group, and see how co-operation is thriving regionally, with Paul Gerrard, Campaigns & Public Affairs Director Co-op.  Paul will also explore the recent Building resilience through co-operation joint report outlining the case to grow co-operative agriculture and how co-operation can strengthen food systems, farmers and local economies.
• Spotlight on equality and inclusion: Discover the inspiring work of the Co-operative Party’s five Equality Networks: BAME | (dis)Ability | LGBTQ+ | Women | Youth. Learn how these networks are championing representation, fairness and opportunity for all.

Interactive workshops – get involved! Hands-on sessions designed to spark ideas and deliver real impact:

• Community Britain: Practical Action
  Explore today’s political narrative and develop strategies to strengthen and champion Community Britain.
• Community Right to Buy: Making it happen
  Learn how communities can use the new law giving the right of first refusal to buy local assets when they come up for sale — and how we can make it work in practice.
• Policy Consultation 2026
  Help shape future policy on Local Government and International Development. Your voice will help guide the next wave of co-operative priorities.

Come along, connect with fellow members, share your perspective, and help shape the future of Community Britain.

Do note: that GM Party Council will hold their AGM at the venue immediate prior to the start of this event.  The GM AGM starts at 10am

Register here:

A recent member survey highlighted a clear desire for more local activity — and this event has been designed with that in mind. Working with local Party Council officers, we’ve built a member-led programme that reflects what matters most to you and your region. This is your opportunity to help shape the conversation and ensure the priorities of your community are heard.

Tickets are £15 and include a buffet lunch and refreshments.

*this programme is subject to change

Register here: