"The conversion of many building societies from mutual ownership to shareholder organisation has led some commentators to write the obituary for the entire mutual movement." "However, this book - the first comprehensive review of Britain's mutual 'sector' - shows that mutuality is for from extinct. In fact, mutuals are poised to play a for bigger role in the twenty-first century economy." "The report highlights the factors that make mutual enterprises more effective and innovative and the barriers to their success. It sets out a programme for a radical 'mutualisation' of services in the UK. Mutuality was a 'big idea' in the last century; it can be again in the next, offering a way to combine economic dynamism with social responsibility and community spirit."--BOOK JACKET.