co operative development scotland

Mutual Ownership - let's find the best way.

Two bald men fighting over a comb, is how Eddie Mair described the debate between the two main political parties on the topic of mutualism in the public sector.

Employee ownership offers significant economic and social benefits

There was an excellent turnout at what was a very stimulating event in Glasgow on Friday last.  The event was a business breakfast and the topic was employee ownership.  Sarah Deas, Chief Executive of Co-operative Development Scotland and one of the key drivers of the current wave of interest in employee ownership in Scotland, explained why Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise were actively promoting the business model.  The fact is employee ownership provides a stable, successful and sustainable business model which keeps jobs, skills and money in the economy.

Chris Par

Co ownership in Sport - More Power to the Supporters

I had an interesting day yesterday at the Centre for Mutual and Employee-Owned Business which is based at Kellogg College, Oxford.

Employee Ownership of public services - A Success Story

Co ownership is fast becoming a hot issue in the forthcoming election.  As the parties argue over who thought of it first, what the model will be, whether the focus should be on public sector, private sector or both, they cynics are saying it can't work.  How can people run their own company, become truly involved in the strategy and direction of the business, and have real accountability in their leaders?  How can that work in the public service sector?

One company achieves all these as well as delivering an excellent service to its service users, and provides a great place to work. 

Tullis Russell and Inveresk - the difference in ownership.

Yesterday, I met with Eileen Jarrett who chairs the Employee Ownership Board at Tullis Russell Papermakers based in Fife, Scotland.  She was telling me that despite the challenges currently facing the paper industry, Tullis Russell continues to hold its own. 
 

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. 

People - the best assets?

Tragic announcements yesterday about the massive job losses from Astrazeneca and Babcock, together with the anticipated losses following the Cadbury takeover really call into question how much we value labour.

Successful engineering company, Clansman Dynamics Ltd, now owned by its employees

Just before Christmas, East Kilbride based Clansman Dynamics Ltd became the latest company to enter into employee ownership.  Clansman Dynamics Ltd is a successful company with a very strong order book.  They build robotics and have a world wide reputation for quality and excellent customer service.  What sets Clansman apart from their competition is the attention to detail - the customer is consulted on the design ensuring not only technical excellence but also considering ease and com

Britain adopts the John Lewis model? Employee ownership moves up the agenda

I have been very critical in the past of the  political cross-party support for employee ownership which hasn't translated past the verbal into real action.   However, the news that the government will announce later today the establishment of an independent commission on ownership is a sign that this is changing.  This is an important development that will consider the effects of ownership on both the public and corporate sector.  It really is great news at the end of a year when interest in employee ownership has grown significantly.  Indeed, the fact that this Commission has recieved signif

Employee Ownership - Spreading the word

If employee ownership is so great, why has no one heard of it?