UKSCS / SCSI Conference 2025
Co-operation among co-operators: The Irish-British connection, 21-22 February 2025, Belfast
The UK Society for Co-operative Studies and the Society for Co-operative Studies in Ireland invite you to attend this landmark event in Belfast in what represents an important moment in the development of the movement across these islands.
The year 2025 has been identified as the International Year of Co-operatives with the theme of ‘Co-operatives Build a Better World’. Consequently, the UKSCS and SCSI believe we have an opportunity to bring co-operative knowledge and insights from across Ireland and Britain to understand how our movement plays a prominent role in this work.
The organisers ask delegates to consider what role co-operatives can play in building a better economy on these islands, particularly in the context of recent political developments as well as ongoing dialogue around Ireland’s constitutional future.
Outline programme below.
Keynote speaker
Newly appointed Northern Ireland Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA. Dr Archibald has previously served as Finance Minister. She was elected as MLA for East Derry in May 2016 and subsequently in 2017 and 2022. She is former Chair of the Assembly's Economy and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs committees.
Key note speaker
Paul Gerrard is Campaigns, Public Affairs/Board Secretariat Director at the Co-op Group leading on campaigns such as modern slavery and shopworker violence and crime in the community. He is a board director at Co-ops UK and trustee of the Co-operative Heritage Trust.
Key note speaker
Linda Ervine, MBE – founder and manager of Turas, a cross-community language project based in East Belfast, designed to bring people together by raising awareness of the Irish language.
Keynote speaker
Cliff Mills is a consultant working with Anthony Collins, a specialist law firm based in England, and an active member of IUS Cooperativum an international network of lawyers interested in co-operative law.
Conference programme
Booking information and conference registration fees
The conference is being hosted by Boundary Brewing Co-operative, A4-A7, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HE. It is around 30 mins by public transport from George Best Belfast City Airport, and 10 minutes (26 minute walk) from the railway station. Buses (numbers 3a-c, e-g; 505; G1) travel from Donegall Square West, near City Hall to Newtownards Road; the Connswater stop is the closest to Boundary.
For participants travelling to Belfast before the start of the conference, there will be an informal meet up and tour of the City led by some of the SCSI committee members on Thursday late afternoon.
Conference registration fees
Please use the 'Book tickets' link below to pay the appropriate fee and secure your place. Conference fees include meals and refreshments. They do not include accommodation costs and you will need to book your own accommodation. There are a number of hotels nearby - a list of some accommodation options is provided below.
Final registration date: Booking is now closed
| Members of UKSCS or SCSI | £80 per person |
| Concession rate for members of UKSCS or SCSI (non-waged/student)* | £40 per person |
| Non-members | £120 per person |
| Day rate - for anyone who wishes to attend only on 21st or 22nd Feb | £50 per person |
* Bursaries for members: There is some limited funding available to cover the registration fee for members who are presenting at the conference and do not have access to other funds. Please email [email protected] to find out more if you wish to apply for a bursary.
UKSCS/SCSI Belfast - Places to stay
UKSCS/SCSI Joint Conference Organising Committe:
Anthony Barbour (SCSI); Bridget Carroll (Treasurer, SCSI); Peter Couchman (SCSI); Patrick Doyle (Chair, SCSI); Stephen Gill (UKSCS); Janette Hurst (UKSCS); and Elisavet Mantzari (UKSCS).
We are grateful to the Co-operative Group, Belfast City Council, the NI Department for the Economy, and the Irish Research Council the as key supporters providing funding for this event.
