Mutual ownership in action

The John Lewis group, which owns the department stores and the Waitrose food supermarkets, had an excellent 2009 trading year with a 10% rise in profits. In consequence, every one of the workforce, even someone who joined only last week, will receive a 15% bonus, which is equivalent to eight weeks pay.

Note that the John Lewis group faces stiff competition on the high street, especially from food supermarket chains such as Tesco, Asda and Morrisons. John Lewis, the UK's favourite stores proves that mutual ownership beats the very best competition at its own game. The key ingredient is the company loyalty and dedication that mutual ownership confers. Something that the Wall-Mart owned Asda will never be able to offer, given its style of authoritarian management.