Preston Cooperative Development Network

What we do: We help grow and support cooperatives and social enterprises in Preston. We offer Free workshops and webinars on business development. Provide resources or signposting to co-op solutions. We also offer advice and 1-1 support.

Preston Cooperative Development Network (PCDN) is on Instagram so you can now contact us directly through here or still send us an email at [email protected] (See linktree in bio) Here we will be posting about what we’re up to, what’s to come and some information around the Cooperative sector. Follow us to stay tuned or subscribe to our newsletter!

Who we are: Meet the Directors! Gaynor Wood Gareth Nash Mark Porter Ann Vanner Aysha Patel Matthew Brown Jonny Cosmo Debra Whiteside

Back in January I had an article published in the @stirtoaction journal and it is now publicly available online and in the latest issue of the magazine. The article is about mine and my colleagues work at @prestoncoopdevelopment as well as my personal perspective on how the creative industries can help the cooperative sector as well as the national economy 🐝 I do truly believe that the way towards a happier, healthier and more resilient society is by being Cooperative, Community-focused, Cultural, Creative, and Conscious. Read it by following the link in my bio 🔗

The Clean Collective is starting soon !! If you are Preston- based and interested in running a profitable cleaning business, you need our winning business support programme starting 14. January 2026. Click the link in the bio, and make a clean start to the year 👩 #business #comingsoon #enterprise #cleaningbusiness #beyourownboss

THATS A WRAP The CoLab & Lady Boss programmes concluded with an awards ceremony in the Harris Museum with certificates handed out by the Madam Mayor. Trying not to make this into a LinkedIn post here but I want to celebrate a success of mine and all the people on the programme too! This was CoLab: Cooperative Enterprise for Artists. We are now looking to form our own artists cooperative and set up in a building somewhere... anyone wanna lend us a building? People often ask what I do for a living? Now as much as I think theres far better questions to ask people, I'll share a little bit. As well as writing, performing poetry, hosting events, running a local seasonal zine, working in a community arts centre and being an all round legend... I also work in Cooperative Development. Having worked in Economic Development projects in the UK, Vietnam and Ghana; spending nearly a decade in Arts & Culture as well as the Third Sector; I believe Cooperatives is the perfect place to be. Here I can help create cultural change by helping people to start their own democratic businesses. Owning the means of their production. And doing something for communities at the same time. Oh well, Ive only gone and done it. Now its a bloody LinkedIn post. Whatever, sue me. If you want to find out more about this stuff, get in touch with me or @prestoncoopdevelopment And if you want an event catering, get in touch with @ladybosspreston [📷 credit: @dhakal.sushma ]

PCDN in the Community We are now offering a community-drop in space for anyone seeking advice or support for their business or cooperative. Scan the QR code to book or follow the link in our bio!

Lady Boss is back for second helpings!! If you are a Preston- based woman interested in running a profitable, home food business, you need our winning business support programme starting October 2025. Click the link in the bio, and the first step in making your food passion into a food business. 👩 #bossbabe #comingsoon #women #womenintobusiness #ladyboss

INTRODUCING OUR SPEAKERS Starting from the 15th September, we will be delivering a crash course in Cooperwtive Enterprise for Artists. Co.Lab will feature experts in Education, the Arts and Business all coming together to give you the best chance at starting up your cooperative enterprise or just getting involved with the sector. To sign up email [email protected] with a cover letter stating your interest in the course and your experience with arts and or cooperatives. Deadline to apply 8th September but dont wait around as we have limited spaces!

Time to share a moment for our partners and sponsors for our latest crash course. Co.Lab - Cooperative Enterprise for Artists wouldn't be available without Preston City Council, @lancashirecc and the @ukgovofficial UKSPF Funding. Working together towards a more prosperous and equitable economy. It is also, the UN International Year of Cooperatives. What a better time to get involved with cooperating? The UN has declared that Cooperatives are a necessity to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. If you haven't already. Sign up by sending a cover letter to [email protected] with your experience in Culture and/or Cooperatives and your reasons for wanting to join the course. For more info check the previous post!

CALLING PRESTON ARTISTS & CREATIVES We are now offering a Cooperative Crash Course specifically for those within the creative sector. The 6 week course is sponsored by Preston City Council and conducted by our own @justjonnythings . Session will be held Monday evenings, 6pm - 8pm. The course features experts from across the sector ready to guide you on your cooperative journey. Learn about cooperatives from the Preston Model to the wider solidarity economy. The course dates will be Mondays 15th September- 20th October (bar the trip) so please only sign up if you can commit to every session as we have limited places. Each session will be followed by a digital resource pack with tools, reading material and sign-posting to further learning. Upon completion of the course participants will be awarded a certificate by the Preston Mayor. Did we mention that its free? To apply, please email [email protected] with a cover letter stating why you would like to join this 6-week course and your previous experience in Culture and/or Cooperatives. Deadline to apply: 8th September

**AN UPDATE FROM US** We're moving forward with some new programmes. Lady Boss 2.0 and Cooperative Enterprise for Artists! Places on Lady Boss 2.0 are currently full but if you'd be interested in joining on with Cooperative Enterprise for Artists then get in touch. Share this around your networks for those who might be interested.