Co-operative business groups allow tourism operators to collaborate and grow without having to increase staffing, property or investment.
The Merchant City Tourism and Marketing Co-operative is a group of 180 businesses in Glasgow's historic Merchant City, including bars, restaurants, theatres, visitor attractions, shops and music venues.
Since receiving start-up advice from Co-operative Development Scotland, joining forces has allowed the members to market collectively. They have created a brand, a website, merchandise and a marketing plan to attract more people to the area.
Co-operative Development Scotland provides specialist advice to new and growing co-operative and employee owned businesses to enhance other support provided by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Business Gateway.
Support includes:
- financing the business
- developing member participation
- exploring the options
- structuring the company
Co-operative Development Scotland operates across Scotland and is a subsidiary of Scottish Enterprise.