Expert advice from Anthony Collins Solicitors

Anthony Collins Solicitors was founded in 1973 by Anthony Collins. His aims were to establish a Christian practice that helped serve the needs of the community. The organisation continues to be rooted in...

Anthony Collins Solicitors was founded in 1973 by Anthony Collins. His aims were to establish a Christian practice that helped serve the needs of the community. The organisation continues to be rooted in a clear set of values, and aims to make a proactive difference in society and within local communities. The firm works with co-operatives and mutuals, the third sector and public sector clients, and individuals. Based in Birmingham, it now has more than 20 partners and over 250 staff. Here, experts at Anthony Collins Solicitors offer a series of articles analysing and giving advice on a range of issues affecting the co-operative sector.

  • To grow the co-operative movement, we need to show – not tell

    [caption id="attachment_87796" align="alignleft" width="200"] Richard Brooks[/caption] How can we spread the word about co-operation and continue to grow the movement? For it to thrive, the products, services and way of doing business must remain attractive to entice those outside its membership.  But, over time, this needs to translate into new members with an enthusiasm to engage with the ...

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  • How to deal with misconduct in co-operative board members

    All organisations involve people, and co-operatives are no exception. As events remind us every day, people are always imperfect, sometimes fallible, occasionally deeply flawed – and, once in a blue moon, capable of being downright malicious. Take Mr M, for example – Mr M was a tenant board member of his local housing association. Mr M, being a community-minded man, got involved in ...

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  • Urban Outfitters’ Cooperative range claims to ooze ‘naïve and quirky charm’

    What's in a brand? Protecting your co-operative name

    In February, Co-operative News reported on the registration and use of the “cooperative” brand by Urban Outfitters as part of an exclusive fashion label. No doubt an attempt by the American fashion chain to take advantage of the “aura” and reputation associated with the co-operative movement and its long established brand. Your brand is one of your most important assets. It is not just your ...

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  • Ownership and leadership: Scrutiny of co-operative governance matters

    The way the Co-operative Group is organised is under fundamental review. The basic tenets of the co-operative movement – collective ownership, democratic member control, active participation – have been called into question, not least by a sceptical media. The whole process gives, in fact, an opportunity for careful reflection, despite the overtones of ‘geekiness’ which Lord Myners detects.

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  • Can mutuals flourish in public services?

    Co-operatives have delivered to the public for generations and pioneered many services that are now provided by the state. So, it is interesting that the government is promoting, apparently with vigour, the state contracting with “public service mutuals” for more public services as a way of creating better value and more “customer focus” in a range of services. This is happening in local ...

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