Considering or preparing your business for mutual or cooperative ownership? This programme is for you.

Mutual and cooperative businesses are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, largely because—when set up well—they are highly resilient. These models can work equally well for new start-ups or as part of a business succession plan for established organisations.

For new businesses

A cooperative or mutual model enables shared ownership, democratic decision-making, and strong stakeholder engagement. It builds trust and long-term focus, aligns incentives between members and the business, supports fair value distribution, and encourages commitment, innovation, and sustainability from the outset.

For existing businesses

As a succession option, a mutual model helps preserve long-term purpose by prioritising members over shareholders. It supports continuity, employee engagement, and cultural stability, reduces the risk of asset stripping, and enables a gradual, values-led transfer of ownership while maintaining independence, resilience, and sustainable growth.

If you are unsure whether this model is right for your business—or how to approach setting up or transitioning to it—we can help.

We have recently delivered a series of highly regarded peer-to-peer activities designed to reduce isolation among small business owners and managers. These sessions have led to tangible innovation and productivity improvements, as participants learn from trusted peers and build strong, relevant local networks. Many participants also told us that day-to-day pressures often keep them working in their business rather than on it. The sessions provided valuable time and space to step back, build confidence and resilience, and gain practical insights from others facing similar challenges.

Building on this positive feedback, we are now extending the programme and bringing together a cohort of small and medium-sized business owners and managers who want to explore setting up or transitioning to a mutual or cooperative business.

Programme aims

The aim of the group is to harness collective experience to help participants:

• Understand the benefits of mutual and cooperative business models
• Make informed decisions about structure and approach
• Develop scalable, sustainable, and profitable mutual or cooperative businesses
• Minimise risk
• Access additional support and expertise

Why join?

Setting up a cooperative or mutual business can seem attractive—but is it right for you? This programme will help you understand whether this approach fits your goals and what is involved in making it work effectively.

How will it work?

The programme runs over six weeks and includes six two-hour facilitated group sessions. Participants will explore opportunities and challenges together, using collective experience to broaden options, make informed decisions, and take practical action.

Each session is led by an experienced SME owner. Discussions are non-competitive, confidential, and supportive, creating a safe environment where participants can explore ideas openly and without judgement.

After each session, delegates will receive:

• A concise session summary
• Practical tools and checklists to support further thinking and application

These resources can be used at a pace that suits your business. In addition, each delegate is entitled to two hours of one-to-one coaching with the programme facilitator.

What will be covered?

Discussion topics will be shaped by the group but may include:

• Understanding mutual and cooperative models: options, benefits, challenges, and beneficiaries
• Business planning: vision, strategy, and member value propositions
• Business structure: ownership and governance
• People and operations
• Financial planning: capital requirements and funding options
• Legal and regulatory considerations
• Member engagement and participation
• Available help and support

Peer group discussions and coaching sessions are also open to any specific issues participants wish to explore.

Places are limited for each cohort.

If you would like to benefit from shared experience, practical support, and expert facilitation, we encourage you to book early to secure your place.

Where and When

This programme will be delivered weekly online via Zoom, on Wednesdays from 10am – 12pm.

• Workshop 1 | Wednesday 18 March, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 2 | Wednesday 25 March, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 3 | Wednesday 1 April, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 4 | Wednesday 8 April, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 5 | Wednesday 15 April, 10am – 12pm
• Workshop 6 | Wednesday 22 April, 10am – 12pm

Register now