The West Midlands Ownership Hub was a two year project to raise awareness of the benefits of co-ops and employee ownership for creatives in the West Midlands. The project worked with freelancers, new and existing business owners, advisors and policy makers in the creative and cultural industries.
“True creative integrity and innovation are underpinned by the ability to be an independent thinker, establishing an open, honest and collaborative culture, and creating a motivated and inspired workforce – all of which are the cornerstones of being employee-owned.”
Sean Clarke, Managing Director Aardman Animations
Peter Lord and David Sproxton, founders of Aardman Animations, on the day it became employee-owned in 2018.
An example of a creative co-op pooling skills, a win-win for everyone.
Looking to grow? You can find a range of business support for creative businesses at Business Growth West Midlands through their support programmes.
West Midlands Ownership Hub launched in May 2024, with a call to action 'Be Part of it' campaign, written and performed by Birmingham's renowned Poet Laureate Jasmine Gardosi in collaboration with organisations in the region that enjoy the power of shared ownership.
The project has now closed, however there is still an opportunity to be supported in setting up co-ops or transitioning to employee ownership.
co-ops:
A co-op is a democratic business or organisation that's controlled by the people closest to it, known as its members. Members of a co-op may be freelancers, employees, customers or those who use its services. This makes it different from other kinds of businesses which may be owned and controlled by one or two people, external investors or by shareholders. In a co-op in the creative industries, the creatives can own the organisation and be in control.
Find out more by contacting Kathy Hopkin HERE.
Employee-owned businesses:
Employee ownership is when employees have a say and a stake in the company they work for. Ownership occurs in a variety of ways - from employees directly owning shares in the company, to having shares held on behalf of employees in an Employee Ownership trust [EOT]. It's an option worth considering for business owners who want to protect the culture of their business and reward their staff.
For more information contact the Employee Ownership Association HERE.
Evaluation
The West Midlands Ownership Hub was evaluated by Fry Creative. Learnings about co-operative development and co-creation with communities can be found in its report published in October 2025.
Click here to see the report.
The Ownership Hub was delivered by Employee Ownership Association and Co-operatives UK and funded by Power to Change.