We’ve just received the Evaluation and Learning Report for our Pilot Project! It clearly shows that Business for Good has been a success that demonstrates that the value of the relational business support model in nurturing alternative businesses in West Yorkshire.
Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, writes about the Business for Good West Yorkshire Pilot Project…
“The most enduring solutions to society’s challenges are those built on values, not just value. That’s why we’ve been proud to support the Business for Good West Yorkshire programme. It’s a shining example of what happens when you invest in businesses with purpose beyond profit – especially in the communities that need it most.
This programme was designed to reach people and places often overlooked by mainstream support – with a clear focus on areas of deprivation and marginalised communities across West Yorkshire. Talent, ideas and energy exist everywhere – but opportunity and investment often don’t. By backing alternative businesses rooted in local communities, this programme has helped unlock potential, build confidence and spark new economic activity in places that need it most. Alternative businesses – from co-operatives and social enterprises to community businesses and CICs (community interest companies) – are built to serve people, not shareholders. They are democratic, inclusive and rooted in local communities. And when we support them well, they deliver. Across West Yorkshire, this programme has helped 100 businesses develop their capacity, resilience and potential for positive impact.
They include co-operatives – 13 of which received tailored support through coaching, grants, study visits and the Growth and Resilience programme. In West Yorkshire alone, there are hundreds of co-operatives, including some of the UK’s most successful, like Suma and Arla. They prove that member-owned businesses work at scale and across sectors.
The programme’s reach goes further. It’s about unlocking untapped entrepreneurial energy in our communities, helping new enterprises get off the ground, and providing support that understands people’s realities (not just their spreadsheets). This evaluation shows that a relational, values-led approach works. The programme exceeded its ambitious targets – resulting in a one-year funding extension. It has supported new business creation and reached deep into communities facing economic disadvantage. And crucially, it did so through a partnership of organisations that reflect the very models they support. Yet this kind of support remains the exception. Too often, mainstream business support doesn’t meet the needs of co-operative or social entrepreneurs. That must change. These businesses are innovating in housing, energy, education and more – tackling inequality and building community wealth. They are part of the answer.
As we look ahead – especially during the United Nations-designated International Year of Co-operatives in 2025 – we call on policymakers and funders to back this model and this approach. Let’s not lose the learning. Let’s build on it.
Because business as usual isn’t working. But business for good? That’s the future.”
Keep reading
Rose’s piece forms the foreword of the new Evaluation and Learning Report on the Business for Good West Yorkshire Pilot Programme.
Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Pilot Programme is a partnership of eight specialist organisations that provided specialist business support for alternative businesses between October 2023 and March 2025.
We look forward to sharing the headline achievements, learnings and wider impact. Until then, download the full report for insights into the programme.
What’s next?
The programme’s short-term extension provides a welcome opportunity to build on its learning.
The 2025-26 programme is already out and you can find out more about what we have on offer on our website, including:
Social Venture Schools – Two-days of expert support on how to start, develop and lead a social enterprise, co-op or community business. In Halifax and Huddersfield in July.
Growth and Resilience Programme – Our impactful 7-month programme for leaders of a social enterprise, co-op or community business. Apply by 30 June.
Study Visits – 90-minute online sessions to learn about alternative businesses in different sectors, such as health and creative industries. Open to anyone including public-sector and procurement colleagues.