Government Reaffirms Commitment to Double Mutuals Sector at No.10 Reception

This week, the eoa were among those invited to attend a reception for co-operatives and mutuals at No.10 Downing Street where the government reaffirmed its commitment to doubling the size of the sector.

Image: A group shot of Mutual Council reps beside an image of James de le Vingne, eoa Chief Exec, and Graeme Nuttall OBE, eoa International Ambassador

This week, No.10 Downing Street hosted a reception for co-operatives and mutuals. 

In attendance were eoa Chief Executive, James de le Vingne, and our International Ambassador, Graeme Nuttall OBE.

The event was hosted by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, alongside the Minister for Services, Small Business and Export, Gareth Thomas, and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds.

The reception brought together representatives from the social economy, including leaders from the co-operative and mutuals sector – an umbrella which includes employee ownership. 

“It was encouraging to see Government reaffirm its support for doubling the size of the mutual economy — and with it, recognition that diverse business models are essential to resilient and sustained economic growth,” says James.

“Employee ownership is a vital part of that — a model that puts people at the heart of business success. Across the UK, EO businesses are showing how growth can be more resilient, more inclusive, and more meaningful when it’s people powered.

“There’s a lot already working. More than 440 businesses have transitioned to EO since Labour came into power. This progress continues to be made through real partnership between Government and the expanding EO community. 

“But to fully realise the potential, we’ll need more than policy tweaks — we’ll need bold ideas, long-term commitment, and leadership across the board. 

“The call for evidence announced today creates the space for all EO business to contribute to how this partnership evolves over the rest of this parliament.”

Around a hundred people attended the reception with plenty of familiar faces, including many eoa members: Anne Tyler, Ownership at Work; Sharon Lowrie, Be Caring; Neil Wright, TensCare; Nick Doyle, Nikwax; Damien Drumm, John Lewis Partnership; Jerome Frost, Arup; and Ed Stubbs and Erin Gill from the eoa Board. 

Starting, Scaling, and Transitioning

Ministers outlined key steps already underway, including the advancement of the Business Growth Service and the launch of a Call for Evidence on Co-operatives and Mutuals. 

Moreover, they explained that financial mutuals are highly important, though not in scope for this Call for Evidence. 

This Call will collect views on how the government can continue to support business growth at various stages, including starting, scaling, and transitioning to become a co-operative or mutual.

This is an exciting opportunity, in the UN’s Year for the Co-operative, for members to shape evidence-driven policy. 

We'll keep you updated on any future updates, so keep an eye on our website, socials, and mailers.