Speaking in response to the news that Labour leadership candidate David Miliband and former culture secretary Tessa Jowell are calling for the BBC to be transformed into a co-operative, Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Cooperatives UK, said:

“It is brilliant to see such senior Labour voices raise the stakes in terms of the potential for co-operative action. This proposal does address the current weakness of BBC governance, which leaves the BBC open to the unedifying spectacle of growing bullying over recent years by government. If the BBC were answerable to members and license payers in a democratic way, its independence would be strong.

“Making this happen could only take time, because co-operative membership is built from the bottom up, not the top down, and should be voluntary not compulsory, but it would be inspiring to see the public trust and sense of ownership of the BBC turned into a genuine engagement and co-operative ownership stake.”

Action Against Hunger has mounted an emergency response after the most severe flooding in over 80 years has left millions of people in Northern Pakistan in urgent need of food and water. Please click on the banner above to help save lives!!!

Vintage at Goodwood – 13, 14, 15 August 2010 – is the first of what will be an annual music and fashion led celebration of creative British cool from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, featuring the leading DJs, bands, collectors, purveyors of vintage clothing and vintage vinyl from each decade, as well as contemporary bands and brands inspired by Britain’s rich creative and cultural heritage.

Southampton based worker co-operative, whomadeyourpants? is in the news again.

Well done to Becky and the team for getting some great coverage!

Log on to guardian.co.uk for the full story.

Across the UK, tens of thousands of people have celebrated the first ever Co-operatives Fortnight, which ran from 19 June to 3 July. From events to early day motions, Twitter and tastings, members and supporters of co-operatives have got together to promote the co-operative alternative.
Over the course of Co-operatives Fortnight, an incredible range of activities took place, including:

•    Over 150 events in every region and devolved nation in the UK
•    Over 3,000 stores promoting the Fortnight nation-wide
•    Over 4,000 people watching the Co-operatives Fortnight film
•    Thousands getting involved through online social networks
•    13 co-operative schools being established
•    Two parliamentary motions being passed: one in Westminster, one in Edinburgh
•    The first formula for co-operation being revealed
•    And Co-operatives UK announcing that the co-operative economy has grown to £33.5 billion.

http://www.thereisanalternative.coop/events/fortnight

I have recently completed a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design at Southampton Solent University. I was honoured to have my final project, entitled ‘The Great British Hedgerow’, selected by Total Coverage for the ‘Best in Show’ award. I was given the chance to come and work with the company for two weeks for a look at the design profession.  Total Coverage was very welcoming and gave me a great insight into what they do and how they work. They were very helpful, enabling me to develop my understanding, knowledge and skills. I was especially grateful for the push into new software which I originally had reservations about using. Their sound advice and professional nature provided detailed analysis of my work and how a designer should work with clients. I also enjoyed getting to know the staff and working with them was great. Their friendly nature made me feel comfortable straight away; I want to give them a huge thank you for having me. Finding the time to allow me the chance to come in and really get to know and understand their company. Previous work experience in graphic design offices just didn’t measure up to them!

Thanking them again for their help and support.

Total Coverage has once again enjoyed helping Rights of Women (ROW) to publish a clear, accessible and engaging report. How does the UK measure up on violence against women? Why not have read of the ROW report here http://tinyurl.com/28ss495

In a new report, ‘Protect for the Future’, the charities – led by EveryChild and including ChildHope, Consortium for Street Children, The International Children’s Trust, International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Railway Children, Retrak, Save the Children and War Child – are calling on world leaders to put the right to care and protection alongside the right to survival, health and education in their efforts to improve the lives of millions of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged children.

Total Coverage has published a design book. Is your organisation featured? If not, maybe you can benefit from our experience !!! Why not give us a call, ping us an email or even send us a brief?
For more information about Total Coverage, what we do… how we do it… and who benefits from effective communication, click through to the main website at the top.

Total Coverage has just delivered new exhibition materials to CDS Co-operatives

CDS Co-operatives is the largest co-operative housing service agency in London and the South of England dedicated to promoting, developing, and servicing housing co-operatives controlled by the people who live in them.