Anthony Collins Solicitors has won a three-year contract which will see it provide legal support to eligible members of Co-operatives UK.
Taking over the reins from DWF LLP following a tendering process, Anthony Collins Solicitors’ role will include advising co-ops from different sectors on a range of matters under a legal surgery service, including commercial advice, contract matters, property and co-op law issues. This service is open to co-ops of all sizes, from small worker co-ops and community enterprises to billion-pound businesses.
The firm has already partnered with Co-operatives UK on its Members Money project, developing a guide on co-operative shareholding and the differences with owning standard shares in a company.
“We are delighted to build on our already positive relationship with Co-operatives UK,” said David Alcock, partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors.
“Founded on a unique business model that empowers workers and customers by giving them collective ownership, co-operatives are having a profound impact up and down the country. Sector growth is allowing many firms to reinvest profits into further expansion and improving local communities.”
Mr Alcock added that the appointment was in line with the firm’s mission-led social values and was a “unique opportunity” for it to contribute towards the success of a sector that now employs 235,000 people.
“We want to work with Co-operatives UK to help build this movement,” he said.
The Birmingham-based legal firm was founded in 1973 by Anthony Collins, with the aim of establishing a law firm to serve individuals and the community. It operates with the purpose to “improve lives, communities and society” and advocates for social change that supports and protects the vulnerable. has recently announced plans to open a second base in Manchester, where Co-operatives UK is headquartered.
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Emma Laycock, head of advice at Co-operatives UK, said: “Our members turn to us for specialist knowledge on the governance and legal issues that are specific to co-operatives. The partnership with Anthony Collins Solicitors strengthens our in-house team and broadens the support we can give to member-owned businesses across the UK.
“We support co-ops at every stage, from those just starting out to more established businesses – all of which are very different. But at the heart of each business is shared ownership, and that is where we come in as we understand the particular issues that member-owned businesses experience.”
