Co-operatives Fortnight - an insight into our Co-operative Business
24th June 2019
The benefits of co-operation.
Many of you reading this piece might know the Reception team in Aizlewood’s Mill well, and we know you often think that we work really well together, and maybe even you wonder how such a relationship might be developed within your own workplace.
It’s as simple as co-operation. Aizlewood’s Mill is managed by Accountability Northern Limited, a worker co-operative of over 30 years with 11 members based across 2 sites.
We work together co-operatively, we run the business co-operatively, we treat each other with respect and loyalty. No-one overpowers another and in times of need we are there for each other.
Yes, there’s a business to run and there’s wages to pay and sometimes we struggle like any other small business, but that feeling of joint responsibility flows through us all and so when times are hard we pull together and get through it.
And when times are good, we all smile that little bit broader because at the end of a good year it’s bonus time, and everyone gets their fair share. No arguments, it’s an equal split and everyone’s happy. It’s those times when you really feel that the co-operative way works. I see other businesses where the sales team get bonuses for winning contracts but I think to myself “What about the back-room staff who have no opportunity to get a bonus no matter how hard they work? What about the customer services team who have to deal with issues all day long or the credit control staff chasing payments to make sure there’s enough in the bank to pay these sales bonuses?” In our worker co-operative there are no such imbalances, it’s equal share for all.
Salary review time is one of the most interesting times for us, personally I really enjoy it. I talk to everyone privately about how they are doing, if they feel they deserve any additional increase over and above the standard one and also if they feel any of their colleagues should receive more than the usual. People always find it difficult to ask for a payrise for themselves so this gives us all a chance to not only ask but to acknowledge the efforts of others. That goes for me too!
It’s not all about the money though, it’s the respect that is paid to every worker, no matter what their job description. It’s the consideration that co-operatives pay to the environment around them and the people that they meet along the way. The care for the future of the co-operative when they pass it on to the next generation and the respect for other co-operators.
There are seven principles of co-operation that guide us:
Principle 1: Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Principle 2: Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership.
Principle 3: Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Principle 4: Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
Principle 5: Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
Principle 6: Co-operation Among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the Co-operative Movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Principle 7: Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Aizlewood’s Mill offers serviced offices to all businesses but offers particular discounts for those which are co-operatively owned. If you are interested in the offers we have available please contact Reception on 0114 282 3123. If you would like to know more about co-operative working please speak to Alan Dootson of Sheffield Co-operative Development Group, here at Aizlewood’s Mill on 0114 282 3100.
“Principle 5”, a co-operative founded on the principle of Education, Training and Information can be found within the Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre on the 3rd floor of Aizlewood’s Mill, and the Aizlewood Group, a member co-operative working against the privatisation of the public sector are named after Aizlewood’s Mill and meet here regularly.
Aizlewood’s Mill has some of the most beautiful offices you will find in Sheffield, along with meeting room hire, virtual offices and extensive car parking for all. We are well known for the friendliness of our Reception team so give us a call and see how we can help.
http://www.aizlewoodsmill.co.uk
http://www.scdg.org/SCDG/Welcome.html
