Worker Co-op Weekend 2024

Taking place at Thornbridge outdoor pursuits centre near Sheffield, the worker co-op weekend has a 2.5 day programme full of peer learning and business networking opportunities. There will be great food, music, camping and campfires as well as indoor accommodation and event spaces, and it's always fun.

Discussion about the event is in this forum post and here you will find lift sharing info.

Worker Co-op Weekend is generously supported by DotCoop

Booking options:

Members of workers.coop get a 20% discount on the below prices. You should have received this discount code via email or it is available in the member only area of the forum, here. 

Bursaries

Info on ticket bursaries here. There are still ticket bursaries available.

Young cooperators travel bursaries

Solid Fund and Young Coopertors Network are collaborating to offer travel bursaries to young people (30 and under) interested in worker cooperation who are keen on participating in UK cooperative events. Application is easy and is first come first serve - find out more here.

Programme

Programme PDF

Programme with session information PDF

Session information PDF

The programme has been created from session submissions and is a mix of planned and open space slots. If you want to do a last minute session just add your name and idea to the programme board during the weekend.

We are pleased to announce some of the planned sessions. These will happen alongside allocated time for business networking, hopefully an art corner, and regional and industry meet-up space.

History of the Co-op Movement

From the Fenwick Weavers Society through to the foundation of workers.coop, this session will take you through key milestones of the co-op movement and the lessons we can learn from the past. Hear from voices of those experienced in the co-op movement.

Accounting and Tax workshop for worker co-ops

This session will be a dive into accounting and/or VAT specifically aimed at worker co-ops. A skill that we all need to master when we do our returns or look at our balance sheets. More details coming soon, or let us know what you would like this training to include. Led by Third Sector Accountancy.

Getting to 1,000 worker co-ops in 2 years

There are around 500 worker co-ops in the UK. Getting to 1,000 in two years would mean creating 5 a week. This session will imagine we did it. The question is, how did we do it? Facilitated by workers.coop.

Meal Deal Game

Meal Deal is a card game about working as a courier in the gig economy. Experience the highs and lows of being at the whims of the Algorithm. It's a game where you push your luck to try to earn enough ££ to survive, but if you're unlucky you'll go home with nothing.

Created by Oliver (Fractals co-op) and Ben Kirman (University of York), and co-designed with Caleb (Principle 6).

Getting there, food and drink, accessibility & other info

• Food will all be vegetarian and vegan (thanks to Veggies co-op for catering and Loaf bakery co-op for the bread!). Let caterers know of any allergies.
• Drink BYOB as usual, and a member of Fruit Works co-op will be bringing some home brewed beer for sale as part of a fundraiser
• Bedding
  • Campers need to bring own tent and bedding
  • Teepees need to bring own bedding
  • Dorms have bedding but need to bring own towel
• Accessibility As far as we know, most of the site is wheelchair accessible although there may be a step to the meeting room (we will confirm if any requests are sent our way). The dorms are accessible to those with mobility issues and can be booked at no extra cost compared to camping for those with accessibility requirements. Some sessions will be group discussions and others will use a projector. If you have any specific needs please email (sam@) or let us know when you arrive.

Getting there

By public transport the nearest train station is Grindleford (7 miles away), on the Sheffield to Manchester line. Or Matlock station (11 miles), from which there is a bus that takes you half way (Transpeak bus) followed by a 30 minute walk. Local taxis are available.