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Bitten by the co-op bug: Guy Turnbull of CASA shares his social enterprise experiences with bdaily

I was bitten by the co-operative bug over 20 years ago – and once you’ve been bitten its hard to shake off,“ says Guy Turnbull, one of the founding directors of Care and Share Associates (CASA).

CASA is a social enterprise franchise formed in 2004, using the idea established by Margaret Elliot at Sunderland Homecare Associates. “It was just a fabulous business model, which is why we decided it replicate it at CASA,” says Guy.

When the business was established, the founding management team took the unusual decision to create a system of employee ownership by giving workers free shares. This has created an unusual structure within the business, which Guy believes is key to its success.

“We have a flat management hierarchy, which is very important in home care,” Guy continues. “When working with vulnerable adults, its vitally important that the right kinds of safeguards are in place to ensure we get a uniform standard of service.”

Indeed throughout our conversation, I am given the impression that CASA really is built on the united belief of its workers and directors in its co-operative nature

“We have a strong and consistent team who really buy into the culture at CASA – so it has a family feel whilst we all work together to grown the business,” says Guy, who is clearly incredibly proud of the company. “By treating our team fairly and openly it ultimately means we can successfully realise the collaborative vision of the business.”

While the company has recently branched out into Yorkshire and the North West, Guy and the other directors at CASA have ensured the new facilities retain a regional feel, though this growth is not without its challenges.

“Each business is locally owned, and we are keen to keep it that way,” Guy explains, “ While we nurture the company for a few years, we will eventually pass over most of the shares to the employees, retaining some ourselves to ensure the brand is protected.

“However, it can be difficult as all customers have different needs, and it is a big challenge to work out how to promote our services to a wide range of clientele. Nonetheless, we always keep our value basis, which is what ultimately sees us through any difficulties.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .