ROCHDALE

• The Rochdale Pioneers established the first modern cooperative business, the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, in 1844 in the town of Rochdale, England
• Cooperatives adhere to cooperative principles and values that reflect social, political, and business concerns
• Co-ops worldwide still follow the spirit of the Rochdale Principles, which include:

  • Voluntary and Open Membership
  • Democratic Member Control
  • Member Economic Participation
  • Autonomy and Independence
  • Education, Training and Information
  • Cooperation among Cooperatives
  • Concern for Community
• Voluntary and open membership: Cooperatives are open to all persons willing to use their services and accept membership responsibilities without discrimination
• Democratic member control: Members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions in cooperatives
• Member economic participation: Members contribute equally to and democratically control the capital of the cooperative, benefiting in proportion to their business conducted with the cooperative
• Autonomy and independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members, ensuring democratic control and maintaining autonomy
• Education, training, and information: Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers, and employees to contribute effectively to cooperative development
• Cooperation among cooperatives: Cooperatives work together locally, nationally, regionally, and internationally to serve members effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement
• Concern for community: Cooperatives focus on member needs and work for sustainable community development through policies and programs accepted by members
• Cooperatives in the modern marketplace have been successful in helping farmers with marketing and purchasing, but less successful in large cities with modern large-scale stores
• Marketing cooperatives do business at wholesale and retail levels, preparing raw products for consumers and combining retail, wholesale, and manufacturing to maximize savings
• In the late 19th century, Rochdale became known as "the birthplace of cooperative retailing" when the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) was founded there.
• Rochdale's population grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution due to its location on major trade routes and access to raw materials such as coal and iron ore.
• By the mid-1800s, Rochdale had become one of the largest towns in Lancashire, with a population exceeding 50,000 people.
• The success of the CWS led to the establishment of similar societies across England and Wales, contributing to the growth of the cooperative movement.
• The town experienced significant growth in industries like textiles, engineering, and printing, leading to an increase in demand for housing and services.
• The town's history includes the founding of the first industrial co-operative society in Britain, the Spinners' Society, in 1834.
• The first recorded mention of Rochdale is from the Domesday Book, which was compiled in 1086.
• Rochdale has also seen the establishment of other major cooperatives such as the Co-op Group, which operates food stores, funeral services, pharmacies, travel agencies, and insurance businesses.
• The CWS is now one of the largest consumer cooperatives in the world, operating over 200 superstores across the UK.
• The town experienced significant growth in industries like textiles, engineering, and printing, leading to an increase in employment opportunities and economic prosperity.
• The development of new technologies and transportation networks further boosted economic activity in Rochdale.