Woolwich to host major co-operative councils conference, unveiling bold new collaboration recommendations
We're excited to host the 2025 Cooperative Councils Innovation Network (CCIN) on 12 and 13 February at the cultural landmark, Woolwich Works.
Hosted in the heart of Woolwich’s creative district, an area that was once home to the Royal Arsenal munitions works. This historic site gave its name to the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society, which was a large consumer co-operative in south-east England until 1985.
The Cooperative Councils Innovation Network is a group of local councils who believe that by working closely with communities, they can create better, fairer, and more inclusive ways of supporting people. The theme for the conference is “How Cooperative Councils can support the government’s missions."
The event will bring together leaders, communities, and decision-makers from across the UK to explore new and creative ways councils can help tackle the country’s big challenges, like supporting local economies, building stronger communities, and creating fairer opportunities for everyone.
Councillor Anthony Okereke Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said:
"We’re thrilled to be able to host the CCIN Annual Conference in Woolwich for the first time. What better place to host than the home of the first co-operative corn mill, founded in Woolwich in the 1700s. This is just one example of the rich history of co-operatives in our borough.
“As a council, we share the vision that co-operatives can really transform the way we support our communities. Over the last year, we have been working with local experts to create ‘Together for Greenwich: Co-operation for the future.’ This strategy builds on the work we committed to through Our Greenwich corporate plan, laying the foundation of how we can improve social care, access to community energy and support for businesses looking to become or launch co-operatives.
“We are looking forward to launching our strategy at the conference and sharing our insights with councils and organisations from across the country.”
Councillor Jim Robbins, Chair of the CCIN and Leader of Swindon Borough Council said:
“We are thrilled to be holding our conference in Woolwich for the first time. Cllr Anthony Okereke, stepped forward to host the annual event, and colleagues from across the council, together with Visit Greenwich, have put together an exciting programme of visits and tours to showcase the borough and its cooperative heritage.
“We are incredibly grateful to GLL who is sponsoring the conference. Our founding members, Steve Reed OBE MP, Jim McMahon OBE MP, and Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, now hold ministerial positions in the new government. This places cooperative approaches and the firmly held view of the importance of local government at the centre of policy making. And we hope to see them in Woolwich.”
Over two days, the conference will include inspiring talks, lively panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. Visitors will also get the chance to explore Woolwich and see how working together in new ways is already making a real difference.
Peter Bundey, GLL Chief Executive said: “GLL was established in Greenwich in 1993, creating a new business model for the leisure sector, with a co-operative structure, governed by a stakeholder board and as a non-profit distributing organisation.
“Today, over 30 years on, our headquarters remain in the Woolwich Arsenal, but we are now the UK’s largest provider of public leisure and cultural services. We partner with many co-operative councils, who share our values and our commitment to improving the physical, mental and social health of residents.
“That is why we are delighted to be sponsoring the 2025 Cooperative Councils Innovation Network and look forward to sharing learnings, ideas and innovations at the event, which will help us all better serve our local communities.”
What is a co-operative?
A co-operative (co-op) is a business that is owned and run by the people who use it or work there. Instead of one person or a big company owning it, many people share ownership and make decisions together.
Everyone gets an equal say, and any money the co-op makes is shared or used to make things better for the group. Co-ops help the economy by creating jobs, keeping money in local communities, and giving people fair prices and good working conditions. They also help people work together, support local businesses, and make things fairer for everyone.