Following the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude's announcement on Mutuals in November 2010, Local Partnerships, Co-operatives UK and the Employee Ownership Association have come together in partnership to provide a signposting service for staff in the public sector interested in setting up a social or mutual enterprise.

The Mutuals Information Service has been set up to help signpost staff in the public sector who are interested in setting up a social or mutual enterprise. Careful consideration needs to be given to the different organisational options available, to ensure that the businesses being created are right for you and right for delivering the services that you want to provide. We can put you in touch with organisations that will be able to help you with various aspects of business planning, HR and legal advice, finance and investment, marketing and market research.

Since November 2010, The Mutuals Information Services has had over 200 enquiries. The vast majority of enquiries have come from Local Government but there have also been some from central government and non-departmental bodies. The potential size of the organisations are ranging from 2 to over 500 staff, and with a turnover of less than £100k to over £50m+. The range of services being discussed is wide ranging from adult social care to education support services to ICT services.

If you would like to take advantage of this free signposting service, please get in touch by calling 020 7296 6705 or visit www.local.gov.uk/mutuals