Join Olivia and James as they explore the enduring power of the co-operative model—a distinctly British approach to building resilience, fostering community, and prioritizing people over profit.

From the storied legacy of The Co-op Group, rooted in the Rochdale Pioneers’ 1844 revolution against exploitative capitalism, to modern innovations like the Bristol Energy Co-op, which empowers locals to generate clean power and reinvest in their communities, this episode highlights how co-operatives offer pragmatic, democratic solutions to pressing challenges.

The conversation also turns to football, where fan-owned clubs like Exeter City, Portsmouth FC, and FC United of Manchester stand as testaments to the spirit of self-determination. These communities have saved their beloved institutions from collapse by embracing collective ownership, ensuring local identity, economic stability, and shared purpose remain at the heart of the game.

Olivia and James argue that co-operatives are not just historical curiosities or niche models—they are vital, homegrown blueprints for a more equitable and sustainable future. By decentralizing power, embedding ethical practices, and safeguarding cultural heritage, co-operatives prove that true national strength is built from the ground up, through the empowered participation of citizens.

Tune in to Co-Op Britain Rising: Part 1 to discover how mutual responsibility, democratic control, and long-term thinking can reshape our economy and society.

Public Purview: Examining the foundations of our nation, one story at a time.