At DTAS we’ve always believed that communities should have the power to shape their own economic future. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the Inclusive Democratic Business Models (IDBM) Alliance Scotland.

But what does that actually mean — and why does it matter?

A lot of what we’re talking about just now are Inclusive Democratic Business Models (IDBMs), which might sound like new language but the reality is, it’s describing what many of our members are doing every day.

IDBMs are about businesses and organisations where ownership, control and benefit are shared.  Where local people have a real say, and where wealth stays in communities. That’s exactly what development trusts are built on.

So, when we were asked to be part of the IDBM Alliance Scotland, alongside organisations like Co-operatives UK and Social Enterprise Scotland, it felt like a natural step.  We’re there to make sure the voice and experience of development trusts and the communities behind them are part of shaping this agenda.

Across the DTAS network, 100s of communities are leading the way on local democratic reform – taking on assets, running enterprises and making decisions locally.  We see how you’re retaining wealth locally and building stronger, more resilient places.

Through Democratic Finance Scotland, we’ve seen members raise investment and create community benefit societies and thriving enterprises.

Through our Community Ownership Support Service (COSS), we’ve supported communities to take control of land and buildings and breathe new life into them.

We’ve pulled this together in a short paper if you’d like to explore – why DTAS is included in the IDBM Alliance.