Reset & Rebuild Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Ronnie Sommerville, 5pm soon-to-be Kooble, who shares the story of new booking co-operative Kooble and why the model has the potential to revolutionise tourism and hospitality.

In this episode, we are joined by Tim Coomer, Co-operative Finance, to discuss how investment can help co-ops grow, the challenges co-ops face in accessing finance and the changes to the funding and policy landscape that would help co-ops to continue to flourish.

In this episode, John Atherton, the Worker Co-op Federation, tells us more about worker co-ops and shares his thoughts on their potential and importance in creating a fairer economy.

In this episode we are joined by Scott Erwin, Co-operate Scotland LLP and Greencity wholefoods, to discuss the advantages of co-operatives for both the individual members and to the wider economy.

This episode is about creating a fairer economy through employee ownership featuring Jerba Campervans - An employee-ownership case study featuring Simon Pool, founding director and chairman of Jerba Campervans.

This episode explores the potential of community businesses featuring GlenWyvis Distillery - A community co-operative case study featuring Josh Fraser of GlenWyvis Distillery.

This episode explores the role of community wealth building and inclusive models in achieving Scotland’s economic goals - An introduction to community wealth building and the role of co-operatives and employee ownership focussing on the progress made in North Ayrshire featuring Mhairi Paterson and Jude King of North Ayrshire Council.

The current National Strategy for Economic Transformation sets out the priorities for Scotland’s economy as well as the actions needed to achieve the Scottish Governments vision of a wellbeing economy. The paper recognises the importance of alternative business models such as social enterprises, employee-owned businesses and co-operatives to deliver strong outcomes on fair work and benefit to local communities. Against this backdrop, episode 10 of the Reset and Rebuild podcast focuses on the potential of social enterprise, their importance to the Scottish Economy and the support available.

In episode 9 of the Reset and Rebuild podcast, we are joined by Stuart McCarthy who shares the inspiring story of Isle of Eigg brewery to illustrate the potential for community businesses. Toby of Community Shares Scotland and Suzanne from Co-operative Development Scotland also join us to discuss the support available to help communities get their ideas off the ground.

Co-operative models create democratic, purpose lead, resilient businesses that put people and planet on an equal footing to profit but the awareness of the models and their potential is still not widely known beyond the sector. Across the business community in Scotland, change is happening and this has been hastened by the effects of Covid-19 and climate change. Employees, business leaders and communities are increasingly looking to create fairer business that looks beyond the traditional measures of success. We believe co-operative business models could play a key part in creating a fairer and more resilient economy. In episode 8 of the Reset and Rebuild podcast, we’re joined by Brain Morgan of Glasgow based co-op Jangling Space as he shares his experience alongside Suzanne Orchard from Co-operative Development Scotland.

Employee ownership is a succession solution that is popular among business owners considering a business sale as it offers a tax-efficient exit route, protecting the legacy of their company while achieving a competitive price for the business. The model also has a positive impact on local communities as the business remain rooted in the same location, securing the future of the workforce. In episode 7 of the Reset and rebuild podcast we are joined by Keith Bevan and Colin Thomson of Network ROI and Glen Dott from Co-operative Development Scotland to hear about employee ownership in practice and what the benefits are when pass control of the company to staff.

Digital platforms allow easy access to a variety of services such as ordering food, booking holiday accommodation, organising a taxi or downloading music and podcasts. The technology and the big brands operating them provide consumers with greater choice and convenience. It’s hard to imagine life without digital platform business but many may say it’s come at a cost to the contractors and others on the frontline of services. They can be closely associated with the gig economy that has led to precarious working conditions for many. In episode 6 of the Reset and Rebuild campaign we speak with Ludovica Rogers of Co-ops UK to find out about platform co-ops and how these democratically owned and controlled businesses offer a fairer alternative to their members, customers and the communities they serve.

With guests Rachael Brown, Chief Executive at Future Economy Company, and Darah Zahran, Team Leader at CDS. Nicola, MSP is missing from Jamie Hepburn’s title, I would remove EO from Glen’s title and Rachael’s company name is different.

With guests Jaye Martin, Specialist Adviser at CDS, and Neil Young, a co-ordinator at P4P – Partnership for Procurement.

With guests Jaye Martin, Specialist Advisor at CDS, Morven Lyon, Programme Manager at Community Shares Scotland, and Chris Cowcher, Head of Community Business at Plunkett.

With guests Glen Dott, Specialist Advisor at CDS, and Jude Barber, Director at employee-owned firm Collective Architecture.

Introduction to Reset and Rebuild…redefining business ownership - Darah Zahran, CDS and Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills