Discover a different way of doing business
Free online sessions + in-person study visits across West Yorkshire
Looking to do business differently? We’re teaming up once again with Co-op Culture as part of the extended Business for Good West Yorkshire programme to deliver a brand new series of sector-focused sessions on Alternative Business Models.
This time around, we’re offering four themed short courses, each diving into a different sector — health, creative industries, climate, and asset transfer. Every course includes a free 90-minute online session, plus, subject to availability, a place on the sector related in-person study visit to see these models in action and connect with others on the same journey.
What to expect:
You’ll explore practical alternatives to traditional business — through the lens of co-operatives, social enterprises, and community-led organisations — and gain insights into:
- Proven sector models that spark innovation in your own venture
- How these approaches differ from conventional business models
- The current support landscape for alternative enterprises
- What works when supporting groups adopting these models
Whether you're an established business or just curious about new ways of working, these sessions are a chance to learn, connect, and be inspired by the growing movement for economic alternatives across West Yorkshire.
Thematic Sessions (all online, 10:00–11:30am):
- Creative Industries – Wednesday, 18 June
- Asset Transfer – Thursday, 19 June
- Health– Wednesday, 8 October
- Climate – Thursday, 9 October
Study Visits (all in-person, includes a free 30 minute lunch)
- Creative Industries: People Powered Press – 11am - 1:30pm, Wednesday 25th June
- Asset Transfer: Bramley Baths – 12:00pm - 2:30pm, Thursday 26th June
- Health: Equal Care – 11am - 1:30pm, Wednesday 15th October
- Climate – location & time TBC, w/c 14 October
Find out more and register here.
This workshop is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Business for Good West Yorkshire project.
People Powered Press
Creative Industries
People Powered Press in Saltaire is a social enterprise and community-driven printmaking space committed to creativity, collaboration, and positive social change. Rooted in the rich heritage of letterpress and typographic arts, it provides accessible, high-quality facilities where artists, writers, and the wider public can explore the power of words through print.
Combining artistic innovation with a clear social mission, People Powered Press runs workshops, events, and community-led projects that foster inclusion, expression, and skill development. By supporting sustainable creative careers and championing collective ownership, it plays a key role in enriching the cultural life of Saltaire and its surrounding communities.
Location: The Cellar, Salts Works, 202 Saltaire Road, Shipley, BD18 3JF
Bramley Baths
Asset Transfer
Bramley Baths is a community-led wellbeing and fitness centre housed in a beautifully restored Edwardian building in the heart of West Leeds. Following a successful asset transfer from the local council, it is now run by and for the community, offering accessible, high-quality facilities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Created to empower local residents, Bramley Baths provides a welcoming space to swim, exercise, and take part in health and wellbeing activities. By fostering a strong sense of ownership, belonging, and participation, it plays a vital role in supporting the social and cultural life of the city.
Location: Broad Lane, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 3DF
Equal Care Co-op
Health
Equal Care Co-op is the UK’s first platform-based social care and support cooperative, co-owned by the people who give and receive care. Rooted in the Calder Valley, this pioneering organisation is reimagining social care by shifting power to the community and building relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and equality.
This inspiring business operates through a cooperative model that enables care workers and recipients to co-design services, set fair pay, and shape the future of care together. By blending digital innovation with deeply human values, Equal Care Co-op is creating a sustainable, person-centred alternative to traditional care systems.
Location:New Address TBC Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7
Bradford Community Energy (TBC)
For any enquiries contact suzanne@stirtoaction.com
