What:
Mutual organisations are an umbrella term for several ownership models that share the feature of being owned by and run for a membership group. That could be a group of employees in an employee-owned business, customers in a consumer co-operative or a community group in a community-owned business. Crucially, ownership is linked to membership rather than outside investors. How members benefit from the organisation varies by model. Examples include sharing in surpluses, receiving services or other member benefits, or reinvesting profits for the benefit of the wider community.
Examples:
At the time of writing, there are limited examples of deep-tech organisations in the UK operating through a mutual organisation model. However, some technology and advanced engineering businesses are operating via models that have characteristics in common with mutual ownership. Gripple, for example, is a Sheffield-based advanced engineering manufacturer. They are 100% employee-owned, and ownership is held collectively by employees. This means that workers have a stake in the organisation’s success and a role in how the organisation develops. Gripple states this model allows them to focus on creating long-term value for stakeholders, above short-term investor returns.
Considerations for deep tech:
- It is not uncommon for deep tech ventures to be mission-driven. This could create alignment with mutual organisations that also often seek to create long-term value for specific stakeholder groups rather than focusing solely on financial returns.
- Being mission-driven also means that mutual organisations may be more tolerant of the long time frames associated with deep tech ventures, rather than seeking immediate returns or short-term profits.
- Deep tech is also dependent on the successful collaboration of different experts, such as scientists, engineers and industry partners. Unlike traditional company structures, a mutual ownership model could ensure these contributors have a stake in the organisation and a voice in its decisions. This could positively affect employee commitment and collaboration across the company.
More information:
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (2011) A Guide to Mutual Ownership Models. London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a789b46e5274a277e68e099/11-1401-guide-mutual-ownership-models.pdf (Accessed: 15 July 2026).
Financial Conduct Authority (2026) Types of mutual society. Available at: FCA (Accessed: 7 August 2026).
House of Commons Library (2022) Co-operatives, Mutuals and Friendly Societies Bill 2022-23. Research Briefing CBP-9647. Available at: House of Commons Library (Accessed: 7 August 2026).