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The Unions and Co-Ownership

The debates and discussion regarding who governs the UK continue, and as yet we still do not know who will be running the country.  My intention was to provide an analysis of the winning party's track record and stated commitment to furthering the cause of employee ownership, but it's not likely that we will have that soon.  The three main UK parties are all committed to increasing coownership, in both the public and private sector, and this commitment appears sincere, driven by recognition that when organisations are run and controlled by those within them, they are more successful and sustai

Which party for employee ownership?

The media, both traditional and social, is buzzing with opinions on which party leader came out best in last night's debate.  There is a magnetic pull, but we are in danger of being drawn to vote for the personality, with the best presentation skills rather than voting for the policies which will deliver a better, fairer society.  Which party is really supporting employee ownership?

Employee ownership is one issue that enjoys cross party support.  It is difficult to see the negatives.

Sutcliffe Play now owned by its employees!

Last week, Robin Sutcliffe, founder and owner of Yorkshire based Sutcliffe Play, realised a dream.  His dream was  that the company he created would one day be owned by its employees.  As of Friday last week, the employees of Sutcliffe Play own the company in which they work.

"Power to the people" Are the Conservatives talking real ownership?

The Conservative Party launched its manifesto yesterday pledging to devolve power to the citizens of the UK,  David Cameron stated "Collective power will overpower our problems".  Underlying the manifesto, appears a sincere recognition that people closest to the services (employees and service users) are the best placed to own these services.  5% of the local population can call a referendum, and co-ops and mutual ownership will be used to increase efficiency and "drive revenues" in the public sector.

It

Employee owned businesses: at least as good if not better. The evidence.

Yesterday, John Lewis Partnership, the UK's largest employee owned firm, published a report based on research by CASS Business School.  The report looks at whether employee owned businesses deliver sustainable performance.  The research presents considerable evidence to support the claim that employee owned businesses are better for individual employees, do better business, and make a more valuable contribution to society.  You can read the report in full

Leading design firm The Alloy, now owned by its employees.

How do you make a dream last?  When you create something that is different, that is special, how can you keep it going, if not forever, then for as long as possible?  It's an issue for owners who build up a successful business.

I first met Gus Desbarats, founder of The Alloy Ltd, at the annual Employee Ownership Conference in the UK a few years ago. He told me of his dream to get his company into an employee owned structure.

Employee Ownership is growing!

Philip Baxendale is one of life's magnanimous and visionary men.  As the great grandson of Richard Baxendale, he became General Manager of the Baxi Heating Company at the age of 30.  He grew the company to become a household name, instilling progressive, inclusive management practices which were way ahead of time.

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

Real employee ownership, not empty employee engagement

Much has been written about "employee engagement", and getting "discretionary effort" out of employees. Managers want employees to demonstrate "ownership". Why should they when the enterprise is often owned by faceless shareholders interested mainly in their return on investment?

Lib Dems, where is your support for employee ownership?

The next election will be fought over the economy according to Vince Cable at this weeks Lib Dem conference.