Co-operatives UK, the union of co-operative enterprises, is the new brand name for the merged co-operative sectors which brings together, significant expertise about co-operatives, and strengthens the role of co-operatives as a leading force in social enterprise.

Dame Pauline Green, Chief Executive & General Secretary of Co-operatives UK, recently addressed the 2003 Annual Conference of the Building Societies' Association in Harrogate to say that there is now a window of opportunity to secure mutuality for future generations following unprecedented Government support for co-operative and mutual ideals.

According to Dame Pauline, the co-operative sector is now enjoying something of a renaissance.

"The major investment in product development and marketing, the strategic decision to move from supermarket to convenience retailing, and the consequent dramatic improvement in the quality of our total offer to the public, are now paying dividends. The Co-op is now the market leader in convenience shopping in the UK. And this renaissance is evident in other co-operative sectors too".

"We are now experiencing greater support from Government. The Government now recognises the real 'third way' which the co-operative and mutual sector represents. It now realises that it needs to engage with those organisations on the ground that can help deliver some of its most keenly held community objectives."

Dame Pauline cited the success of two co-operative-sponsored members of parliament in presenting private members bills in the House of Commons as evidence of this new-found influence.

"I believe there is now real engagement. Government engagement with our sector. Government interest in the possibilities that the mutual sector of the economy offers the prized objective of culture change, reactivating local communities and developing local leadership based on creative entrepreneurship and innovative approaches to local needs both business and public."

"The real issue for us is where we go next. Whatever the Government's long-term agenda that has driven them to take such a keen interest in co-operatives and mutuals over the past two years, we too must define our long-term agenda. We now have a unique opportunity to secure mutuality for future generations - I hope we use it."