sustainable farming

Five reasons business owners choose employee ownership

I was very surprised at the first sentence in this article.

The people's manifesto - a humourous look from Mark Thomas

As the expenses scandal grinds on, confidence in our politicians is at an all time low.   There seems to be a gaping chasm between our elected representatives and those they represent.  Is it time for the citizens to have a voice?

Loch Fyne Oysters, owned by its employees, true to its ethics

I've just spent a very inspirational day with the employees of Loch Fyne Oysters.  This is a company that moved into employee ownership in 2004 and as a result have managed to sustain a very successful business in one of the most beautiful locations on earth.  Had the company been sold to a trade buyer, it would almost certainly have been relocated to somewhere more central.  This would have devastated the local community. 

Loch Fyne Oysters:employee ownership in the tough times

According to the Employee Ownership Index, employee owned businesses outperform traditionally structured businesses.  Co owned businesses report better employee retention, higher levels of customer satisfaction, better profit margins and less absence.  It's not all positive and in times of recession, employee owned businesses are feeling the pain too.

One such company is Lo