Support for untapped potential of co-operatives as new research proves £1.5bn impact: Archibald
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has pledged to unlock the untapped potential of Northern Ireland's co-operative sector following the publication of major new research highlighting its significant economic and social contribution.
The report, The Democratic Alternative: Unlocking the Potential of Northern Ireland's Co-operative Sector, estimates that co-operatives generate more than £1.5billion inincome and support approximately 800,000 memberships across Northern Ireland.
It also identifies significant opportunities to grow the sector further through targeted policy support, improved access to finance and greater awareness of the co-operative model.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister Archibald said:
“This research provides clear evidence that co-operatives already make a significant contribution to our economy and communities. Importantly, it also highlights that there is considerable untapped potential to grow the sector further; increasing its contribution to economic development, community wealth building and good jobs.”
The research, commissioned by the Department for the Economy and authored by Seán Byers of Trademark Belfast, provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of Northern Ireland's co-operative sector.
Responding to the report, the Minister announced a range of actions that will be taken forward by the Department. These include beginning work on a new 10-year social economy strategy, with co-operative development forming a key strand of this strategy.
Enhanced support for the sector will also include examining the legislative and regulatory framework governing co-operatives, strengthening specialist support, improving access to finance and increasing awareness and understanding of the co-operative business model.
The Minister added:
“Co-operatives are businesses rooted in our communities, and I’m delighted to be setting out today how my Department will now go forward in supporting the sector to address the barriers identified in this research and creating the conditions for future growth.”
Seán Byers, author of The Democratic Alternative: Unlocking the Potential of Northern Ireland's Co-operative Sector, said:
“I am grateful to the Department for commissioning this report, which provides an important baseline for growing the co-operative sector in the years ahead.
“The research confirms that co-operatives already make a significant contribution to our economy, yet this represents only a fraction of their full potential.
“With the right policy framework, infrastructure and targeted support, there is a real opportunity to develop a more diverse co-operative sector that builds community wealth and gives people a greater stake in their economic future.
“My colleagues and I look forward to continuing to work with the Department to help realise the ambitions set out in this report.”
Notes to editors:
- PHOTO CAPTION: Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured with Seán Byers from Trademark Belfast, and Tiziana O’Hara from Co-operative Alternatives at the launch of a new report which provides a comprehensive analysis of the co-operative landscape in Northern Ireland, entitled: The Democratic Alternative: Unlocking the Potential of Northern Ireland’s Co-operative Sector.
- The report The Democratic Alternative: Unlocking the Potential of Northern Ireland’s Co-operative Sector was commissioned and funded by the Department for the Economy and authored by Seán Byers of Trademark Belfast.
- The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report found the sector contributes an estimated £933 million in turnover to Northern Ireland’s economy and supports over 17,000 jobs spread throughout all regions of the north, with a strong presence in the most deprived communities.
- In April 2026, the Department awarded a two-year grant to Co-operative Alternatives to deliver the Regional Co-operative Support Programme. The programme provides specialist advice and support to individuals and organisations interested in establishing or growing co-operative enterprises.
- The new strategy will build on the Department’s ongoing implementation of the Social Enterprise Action Plan.
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