The Welsh Co-operative and Mutuals Commission – set up to help create more jobs and wealth in the sector – has put out a call for evidence from interested organisations and individuals throughout Wales.
In Wales, co-operatives generate more than £1billion in income a year and employ an estimated 7,000 people ( 2010 figures).
The independent commission set up by Business Minister Edwina Hart is developing a vision and framework to support the growth of the sector and improve services in Wales.
The Commission has now put out a call for evidence and Chairman Professor Andrew Davies has urged all interested parties to get involved.
He said: “The Commission wants to hear views from people in Wales and wider afield – from producers, consumers, householders, those in and out of work, local communities, those running businesses in Wales, those with experience of the co-operative and mutuals sector as well as individuals, communities or groups who would like to start their own enterprise.
“We want people to respond to this call for evidence and engage in debate via social media platforms such as Linked In and twitter as well as submitting their views and suggestions by email, on our website or by post.
“We will be examining a wide range of issues and looking at the opportunities for developing and growing co-operatives and mutuals in Wales. We will be discussing the role they should take in the delivery of public services in Wales; the scope for expanding their operations and how the Welsh Government can support the formation and growth of co-operatives and mutuals in Wales.
“The response from this call for evidence will help inform the Commission’s findings which is why it is so important that interested parties participate and share their views.”
The deadline for responses is 19 April 2013 and the Commission anticipates providing a draft report to the Minister in the autumn.