The traditional approach when starting a business has been to 'go it alone' and set up as a sole trader - with all the risks and problems this involves. An alternative is 'to go it together' and start a co-operative

A co-operative is an easy way for two or more people to go into business together. The way co-operatives are set up reduces personal financial risk.

In a co-operative everyone who comes to work for the business, and remains with it, is given a say in how the firm is run and a share in the profits and ownership.

Small businesses that adopt a co-operative structure are twice as likely to survive the critical first three years compared to sole traders or partnerships.

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