The Democratic Alternative, Unlocking the Potential of NI’s Co op Sector
Co‑operative Alternatives and Trademark Belfast are pleased to announce the launch of The Democratic Alternative: Unlocking the Potential of Northern Ireland’s Co‑operative Sector, a major new piece of research conducted by Sean Byers and commissioned by the Department for the Economy.
This landmark report provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of Northern Ireland’s co‑operative landscape — its scale, strengths, gaps and untapped potential. It confirms that co‑operatives already generate over £1.5bn in income, have exceptionally high membership levels, and are disproportionately rooted in communities facing disadvantage. It also shows that Northern Ireland has many of the underlying conditions for a thriving co‑operative economy — but lacks the policy, infrastructure and finance needed to unlock that potential.
The report sets out six key recommendations to strengthen and grow the sector:
Modernise co‑operative legislation to bring Northern Ireland in line with emerging UK and all‑island reforms.
Create a strategic policy framework that embeds co‑operatives within the DfE Economic Vision and regional economic planning.
Build a specialist support infrastructure so co‑operatives can access the right advice, networks and development pathways.
Improve access to tailored finance, ensuring co‑ops can start, scale and convert ownership models.
Embed co‑operative education and awareness across government, advisors, universities and communities.
Advance worker and community ownership, including pathways for business conversions and community asset development.
Together, these actions offer a practical route to a more inclusive, resilient and democratic economy, one where wealth is rooted locally, good jobs are created, and communities have a real stake in the future.
We are proud to share this research and look forward to working with partners across government, business and civil society to take its recommendations forward.
