ABOUT US
Our Story – The formation of Hive Co-Lab
Ten Values that all Co-ops are based on
- Caring for others
- Democracy
- Equity
- Equality
- Honesty
- Openness
- Self Help
- Self Responsibility
- Solidarity
- Social Responsibility
Why a Cooperative?
The Highways and Transportation industry is poised for significant transformation.
Why a cooperative?
The dynamics and expectations of providers, operators, users and customers are expected to change radically in the coming years. This disruption is primarily driven by the increasing influence of technology and the retail business philosophy being adopted by new operators and owners entering the market. Services will need to deliver value for money, meeting true customer need and personal service.
Why a cooperative is needed?
A cooperative enables SMEs to remain independent, yet work together, for mutual benefit. Demonstrable service provision evidenced through an abundance of substitute or successor SMEs removes barriers to entry, stimulating SME market growth.
How businesses are owned and controlled
Ownership and control of businesses are critical factors in determining the distribution of economic power and rewards within society. The manner in which business decisions are made, including the allocation of profits, has significant implications. In the public sector, procurement regulations often favour large global solution providers that prioritize revenue growth and market share over considerations such as economic efficiency, community well-being, and societal impact. It is essential to democratise the ownership and control of businesses to address these issues effectively.
Purpose
Our cooperative aims to enable SMEs to remain small, cost-effective, and independent while facilitating collaboration for mutual benefit. Through the genuine service provision by its members and achieving efficiencies via shared services, our cooperative will demonstrate its value. Maintaining a small size allows for agility and the removal of bureaucratic obstacles. While cooperatives are more supported and encouraged in European countries, they do not receive adequate promotion or support in the UK. However, they can offer significant benefits.
Our story & the formation
of hive colab
HIVE Company Profile
A newly established, independent, UK-based cooperative enterprise founded in 2024, operating from offices in Kent, London, Hertfordshire, Manchester, and Yorkshire.
The team behind Hive Co Lab have all worked together successfully before. Our motivation is that we want to keep going, to give something back to the industry as well as ensure a core segment of the industry remains engaged with it in an innovative and value-adding way.
Utilising experience with the causes and timings of issues on transport-related projects and programmes. Combining strengths of the individual contributing companies.
Focusing on the future landscape of highways and transportation.
SMEs often struggle to maintain independence while accessing the resources they need to thrive. The Hive Co Lab seeks to bridge this gap by offering a collaborative platform that leverages shared services to enhance efficiency and growth.
HIVE Objectives
A shared commitment to assist our clients in overcoming challenges and potential issues specific to highways and transportation, now and in the near future.
Assist SME’s who are actively discouraged from staying off payroll.
Knowing our product’s value to clients is essential for effective selling, requiring evidence, identification of client needs, and benefits of our approach.
It is crucial to link these to methods for delivering value and highlight what sets us apart from the competition.
Assist clients seeking technical expertise or independent counsel Helping clients sustainably plan, create, operate and manage Highways and Transportation assets.
Assist solution providers who lack resources or skillsets
Governance
Company Vision and Mission
A New Model for Consulting
We are a collective of seasoned consultants who believe in a better way to serve our clients. By removing external shareholders, we align our success entirely with yours.
Consultant Owned & Led
Every consultant is a co-owner of the firm. This means you work with professionals who are deeply invested in the quality of their work and the long-term success of your business.
Unbiased & Objective
Our advice is driven by one thing: what is best for you. Our cooperative structure eliminates conflicts of interest, ensuring our recommendations are always objective and client-centric.
Collaborative by Design
We foster a culture of true collaboration, not internal competition. Our members share knowledge freely to bring the full force of our collective expertise to every client challenge.
Governed by Our Members
Our structure is built on democratic principles, ensuring transparency, accountability, and a focus on long-term value over short-term gains.
One Member, One Vote
The foundational principle of our cooperative. Regardless of seniority or capital contribution, every member has an equal say in major decisions, including the election of our board.
Elected Board of Directors
Our strategic direction is guided by a Board of Directors elected from and by the membership. The board is accountable to all members, ensuring leadership remains aligned with our collective mission.
Member Participation
We operate with active participation from our members through regular general meetings, specialised committees, and open forums. This ensures a wide range of perspectives shape our future.
Operational Transparency
We are committed to financial and operational transparency. Members have access to key information, fostering a culture of trust and shared responsibility for the cooperative’s health and success.
Our approach aligns with the business objectives and specific needs of each individual client. We strive to achieve optimal outcomes for communities and projects while minimising costs.
We adhere to a unified philosophy and methodology, ensuring that standardisation guarantees quality.
We are governed by the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.
The Hive Co-Lab Limited is a registered society with the Financial Conduct Authority under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Mutuals Public Register: The Hive Co-Lab Limited
The Rules of The Hive Co-Lab Limited provide the foundation of our governance practices, supported by our standing orders and other procedures. These are the rules that govern what we do, how we do it and the relationship we have with our members.
Meet The Founders
Professional and Hand Crafted
The Hive Co Lab model has been developed by Hive Co Lab, in collaboration with several other companies referred to as Principal Advisors. These limited companies are owned or operated by close colleagues.
The primary objective of Hive Co Lab is to create and offer a unique advisory service that leverages the geographical distribution of the Principal Advisors, optimises shared resources and assets, and utilises technology to deliver a more cost-effective and efficient service compared to conventional providers.
STEVE ELLIS
“We want to shift the focus back to truly understanding client needs, providing services that achieve and exceed their expectations through tailormade services of the highest quality to drive the best possible outcomes for the environment and the communities within it.”
BARRY O’DRISCOLL
“Establishing a ‘hive mentality’, where SMEs come together to positively influence outcomes from infrastructure provides an opportunity for the industry to thrive and grow.”
BRIAN FITZPATRICK
“Even with the advent of ever more capable technology, performance and productivity issues will persist into the near future, right at the time when experience and pragmatic knowledge and resources needs to accompany new technology application.”
Profits
Our Approach to Profits.
Our financial model is transparent and designed to reinforce our values. Unlike traditional firms, our profits are reinvested in the people who create the value: our members and our community.
1 - Operational Excellence
First, we cover our operating costs—ensuring we have the best tools, technology, and support systems to serve our clients effectively and efficiently.
2 - Reinvestment in Our Craft
A significant portion of our surplus is reinvested into the cooperative for professional development, research, and innovation. This keeps our members at the cutting edge of their fields.
3 - Member Profit Sharing
The remaining surplus is distributed equitably among our consultant-owners. This rewards high-quality work and dedication, directly benefiting the experts you work with
4 - Community Contribution
As part of our commitment to social responsibility, a portion of our profits is dedicated to supporting local community initiatives and non-profit organisations.
“Operating model design has evolved substantially over the past decade, as organisations have had to respond to fast-moving geopolitical, technological, and societal trends.”
CO-OPERATIVES UK
WE ARE A CERTIFIED MEMBER OF CO-OPERATIVES UK
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