The term Collaboration is now used to encompass a wide range of arrangements where groups of individuals come together to achieve a positive impact on their respective businesses. Typical examples of collaboration include:
- Buying/Selling Groups
- Job Sharing
- Machinery Sharing
- Full Integration of men and machinery
The principle of collaboration has become increasingly accepted as businesses seek to reduce their operating costs or gain a competitive advantage.
Typical benefits arising from collaboration include:
- Reductions in fixed costs
- Release of capital
- Improved timeliness and machinery capability
- Pooling of management skills
- Greater purchasing/marketing power
- Flexibility of systems
- Release of time without loss of control
- Shared risk
Whilst many collaboration proposals promise major advantages a significant proportion fail to deliver on their promise. In many cases this is not necessarily the fault of the principle but more of a divergence of members attitudes and aims. Laurence Gould have long experience of ensuring harmony within groups and between farmers
