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@ -4,13 +4,18 @@ heading: About CoTech
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--- ---
Co-operative Technologists (aka CoTech) is a network of co-operatives that sell tech/digital services. It aims to create a better technology sector in the UK that focuses primarily on worker, customer and end-user needs rather than on generating private profit. Co-operative Technologists (CoTech) is a growing network of tech and digital service co-operatives working to reshape the technology sector in the UK. Our members are co-operatives that operate democratically, giving workers (and, in some cases, customers) control over the business. CoTech was founded at Wortley Hall in 2016 and became the first sector specific arm of the Worker Coop Federation in July 2024.
The members of the network aim to use their collective experience, skills, resources and knowledge to radically increase the market share of companies that are owned and run by their workers. We have found that this model creates better workplaces, better digital products and better value for customers. We want to help more people to enjoy the benefits of this model. We believe that businesses owned and run by their workers can create better workplaces, deliver higher quality products, and provide greater value to customers. Unlike traditional businesses, we have no private shareholders extracting profits. Our aim is to change both our industry and society through cooperation. We strive to be a model of thought leadership and innovation in the progressive business movement.
Each member of the network is a company that is owned and democratically run by it's workers (and, in some cases, customers). There are no private shareholders who take money out of the company and/or direct the company's activities. While many of the member co-operatives do not have completely flat structures -- many have boards, management committees, etc. -- they are all democratic workplaces and the members have the opportunity to appoint people to roles or change the structure of their organisations. At CoTech we openly share skills, knowledge, and resources to facilitate community, mutual support, and shared growth in our sector. Our activities include:
Governance of the network currently takes place through a rough consensus process using [Loomio][], [a wiki][wiki] and [our community forum]({{ site.forum }}), and all members are invited and encouraged to get involved. As the network develops, we will explore changes to this governance model together. * hosting in-person and online gatherings
* engaging on the community forum
* seconding employees to each other to meet specific needs
* working on projects together
Governance of the CoTech network is a collaborative process. We make decisions by consensus using tools like [Loomio](https://www.loomio.com/d/IwREmaVl/co-operative-technologists-community), our [wiki](jttps://wiki.coops.tech/)), and [community forum](https://community.coops.tech/). All members are encouraged to participate and help shape our direction as we grow.
The network was founded at <a href="https://wiki.coops.tech/wiki/Main_Page#Wortley_Hall_2016">an event on 14th November 2016</a> at [Wortley Hall -- the worker's stately home][wortley-hall] -- where many of us met for the very first time to share ideas, skills and plans for world domination. The network was founded at <a href="https://wiki.coops.tech/wiki/Main_Page#Wortley_Hall_2016">an event on 14th November 2016</a> at [Wortley Hall -- the worker's stately home][wortley-hall] -- where many of us met for the very first time to share ideas, skills and plans for world domination.