The Herald, Wednesday 11 June. Ruth Wishart gives a superb summary of the benefits of a company being owned by all its employees
The Daily Record 14 June 2008. Craig McQueen interviews Andy Lane and picks up the celebrity connections The Financial Times 18 June 2008. Tony Jackson likes the book, but cannot believe that employee owned companies will ever be more than a moral minority
Spectator Business 1 July 2008. Katie Grant is inspired to an adventure - dragging her family to visit the 'beacon of hope' that is the original Loch Fyne Oysters
The Oldie, September 2008. William Keegan, Senior Economics Commentator at The Observer, is an enthusiast: 'A business book in a class of its own... Buchanesque enthusiasm... a rip-roaring yarn... always lucid...'
Social Enterprise Magazine, September 2008. Jon Molyneux has a wide-ranging discussion with David Erdal, recognising that ownership is key to protecting the moral mission of any social enterprise.
This
is a book about global heroes, people who see the future first and make
it happen... A compelling and inspiring argument why businesses should
belong to those who create value and not those who provide finance.' Sandy Balfour, Chair of Divine Chocolate
'The
story of Loch Fyne Oysters is inspirational in many respects: the drive
and commitment of its founding partners, the ecologically sustainable
business model that evolved years ahead of its time, and the successful
development of a truly Scottish niche product that now enjoys
commercial success around the world... Above all, perhaps, the model of
employee ownership at Loch Fyne Oysters shows what can be achieved when
people are empowered and trusted, and fairly rewarded for their
efforts... Loch Fyne Oysters appears once again ahead of its time.' Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland
'What a great story, well told - a story of ordinary people creating a company out of the mists of Scotland for the benefit of all the employees. Loch Fyne Oysters is a fabulous business success yet it is as far away from city slickers and fat-cats as you can possibly get. Read it and realise that there is "another way".' Andy Law, Founder of St Luke's Advertising Agency
'An interesting and valuable account of employee-owned business based on hard-won experience, written by a practitioner who has dedicated his life to the principle of democratic ownership of business. There is also much to be learned from this book that is applicable to more conventional business managers.' Sir George Mathewson, former Chairman, Royal Bank of Scotland
'A
romantically improbable true tale, a saga of today, complete with crazy
characters, unreasonable struggles, the wilfulness of nature, sea
monsters and the child gone off to make its own way. Employee
Ownership, revealed miraculously by finding a wise wizard during a
tragic storm, has given Loch Fyne Oysters the gift of immortality. The
gods will fiercely punish deviation from the pact. Will the mortals
screw up? Sagas say yes. Let us hope not.' Sir Duncan Michael, former Chairman, Arup
'An
extraordinary story of personal commitment and vision which led to
commercial success and community achievement. Employee ownership works.' Sir Menzies Campbell, MP
