Why we became a cooperative
First of its kind: Jos is the first communications agency to be officially recognized as a cooperative
Jos is the first communications agency in Belgium to be officially recognized as a cooperative. “The strength of creativity lies in collaboration. For us, a cooperative is therefore a logical choice,” says Thijs Snauwaert of Jos.
Jos submitted an application to the National Council for Cooperatives (NRC) in 2021. The NRC recognizes cooperative companies that respect the fundamental values and principles of cooperative entrepreneurship. “So it’s a kind of quality label,” explains Snauwaert. “For us, it’s above all recognition of our values-driven approach to business.”
“For us, it’s above all a recognition of our values-driven approach to business.”
Why cooperative entrepreneurship? Snauwaert: “The cooperative principles of openness, democracy, and equality suit us perfectly. That’s not just about how we work, but also about who we work for. We stand for a people-centered economy.”
Jos isn’t the first company to successfully operate as a cooperative. Well-known names like Ecopower, Multipharma, and Prik & Tik are examples of successful cooperatives.
Creative companies are still rarely cooperatives. Cold feet? Snauwaert: “Competitors are often surprised when you tell them that Jos is a cooperative. However, it should be the most common legal structure in the creative sector. The strength of creativity lies precisely in collaboration. So we’re a proud trendsetter within the sector.”
Jos operates on the principle of “one shareholder, one vote,” regardless of the amount of capital contributed. Most shareholders are also employees, or they have a strong connection to the organization.
What does this mean in concrete terms for the employees? Snauwaert: “They have a long-term perspective and a say in the company’s future. The chance that they’ll ever be confronted one morning with a takeover, negotiated in the utmost secrecy by the owners for months on end, is virtually nonexistent.”
More info:
