Tony Brown, Area Community Manager 

How is GLL making a difference to people, communities / the wider economy?  

Celebrating 30 Years in 2023, we are the UK’s largest public leisure and libraries co-op/social enterprise which exists to improve the physical, mental and social health of local communities.  In 2022, our activities raised £390m in social value in local communities measured across a series of indicators including health and wellbeing. 

Getting people more physically active supports local authority agendas and the wider economy.  We provide employment and training opportunities in libraries, children’s centres and leisure centres.  In libraries, our business start-up support is helping budding entrepreneurs while local businesses benefit through spending in our supply chains – some of these businesses are also co-ops. 

How can coops help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society?  

Engaged, staff-owned businesses are effective at tackling society’s challenges – starting with inequalities.  Health inequality costs local authorities and the NHS billions of pounds every year. But our co-op is a key part in boosting levels of physical activity to improve the health and wellbeing of local people.   

Co-ops are effective when they put their combined might together to share their rewards and opportunities - investing in local communities for positive change.    

What do you love about co-ops and being part of a co-op in Royal Greenwich? 

Our co-op started life in Greenwich 30 years ago. With no shareholders to pay, we can reinvest for the good of local communities and our people.  

We love our staff-owned business being a key player for societal good in one of London’s most dynamic and forward-thinking boroughs.  

With new leisure developments coming and a new 5 Year Corporate Plan unveiled this summer, we look forward to being an increasingly important part of the borough’s co-op sector in the years to come.