Johnny Denis
Cooperative, social enterprise support, and advocacy in East Sussex, UK
Johnny Denis supports the people who lead and steer values-led businesses, co-operatives, and social enterprises. His expertise includes coaching and teaching co-coaching.
As the founder of several social and community ventures, Johnny has played a key role in initiatives such as Furniture Now, Common Cause Co-operative, Lewes Exchange Trading, Caburn Housing Co-op, JustTrade, and the East Sussex Food and Health Partnership. Currently, he manages The Fuel Co-op.
In 2016, Johnny was a Fellow of the Finance Innovation Lab, recognized for developing a new mutual model for low-cost housing. In 2012, he was an UnLtd Award Winner and the Founder/Manager of The Fuel Co-op, which aims to make warmth more affordable for rural communities.
In the realm of local government, Johnny represents the UK at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at the Council of Europe. He also serves as Chair of the Board of the Association of Green Councillors and is a Member Peer for the Local Government Association.
At Lewes District Council, Johnny is the Councillor for Ouse Valley and Ringmer Ward, first elected in September 2017 and re-elected in May 2019 and 2023. He is also the Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, Tourism & Leisure. Additionally, Johnny leads the Green Group at East Sussex County Council and was elected as a member for Ringmer and Lewes Bridge Division in 2021.
Johnny is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health and a member of the Green Party.