Case Study: Tracey Calderwood

Living and Leading EO at Every Level

As a Manufacturing Manager at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, Tracey Calderwood’s influence extends far beyond the production floor. 

In a business where culture, values, and performance are deeply interwoven, Tracey has become a standard bearer for what it means to be an employee owner. She not only embraces the model but consistently brings it to life.

It’s no surprise at all that Tracey was crowned ‘Employee Owner of the Year’ at the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2024.

Bringing Ownership Culture to Life

Tracey leads a team of ninety factory-based stakeholders and has made it her mission to ensure every voice is heard and valued. 

In a sector that thrives on efficiency and output, her ability to balance operational delivery with cultural engagement is both rare and remarkable.

From introducing morning energisers to combat low energy levels, to Friday Reflections – a space for stakeholders to share their thoughts on the week – Tracey ensures the workplace is always inclusive, vibrant, and emotionally aware.

Many of her initiatives were inspired by insights gathered at eoa Annual Conferences over the years, where she’s a regular and enthusiastic participant. 

What she learns, she brings back into the business. What she brings back, she makes happen.

Championing Inclusion and Empowerment

As both Employee Trustee and a member of the Charity Committee, Tracey has become a go-to figure for galvanising support and rallying her colleagues behind causes that matter. 

Whether she’s setting up branded events, sourcing materials, or motivating others to take part, Tracey’s resourcefulness and drive have helped the team raise thousands of pounds for charities. Often, this is achieved via initiatives she runs in her own time.

Her creativity and care were on full display when she led the first employee stakeholder family factory tour in over forty years. 

From golden ticket invitations to bespoke chocolate-making sessions and a playful “recipe thief” mystery game, the event celebrated the company's legacy and brought the workplace to life for the wider Corby community. 

It has since become an annual tradition for local groups, including schools and scouts.

Tracey’s dedication also played a key role in during the business’ fortieth anniversary celebrations that took place on EO Day 2024 where she co-hosted the event with energy, humour, and warmth. 

Her coaching and support ensured that the spotlight was placed firmly on fellow employee stakeholders, reinforcing the inclusive ethos of the day (sponsored that year by The 1:1 Diet).

Defining and Shaping Governance

Tracey has been instrumental in defining the role of Employee Trustee. As the business’ first to take up the role, she built its foundations, creating guidance and tools for future trustees. 

Her leadership style is both diligent and grounded in compliance, but never losing the fun, light-hearted spirit that makes engagement real and sustainable.

Voice, Safety, and Culture

Tracey’s impact is also seen in how she has evolved the company’s Voice Group, from a complaints platform to a business-wide forum for constructive, value-driven discussion. 

As a Health & Safety Champion, Tracey led the introduction of the ‘See it – Stop it’ scheme, a key factor in the company’s repeated RoSPA sector wins. 

More recently, her focus on mental health has driven the introduction of Mental Health First Aiders, further underscoring her commitment to the wellbeing of her colleagues.

From Fun Games Days to Advent Calendar Countdowns, Tracey’s cultural contributions are consistent and creative. She shares her ideas widely and offers feedback to help raise the bar across the business.

A Recognised Leader in Employee Ownership

Tracey’s long-standing commitment was formally recognised when she was awarded ‘Employee Owner of the Year’ at the 2024 UK Employee Ownership Awards. 

From joining the business as Production Manager to becoming Manufacturing Manager and Employee Trustee, her journey is marked by continual development and an unwavering passion for empowering others.

Empowering Women Through Ownership

At The 1:1 Diet, women play a central role, from product development to leadership. 

With a customer base that is predominantly female, the business actively supports women’s wellbeing across all life stages through products and workplace support, including menopause and mental health programmes.

Tracey notes that EO has helped bring these issues to the forefront:

“Having a voice as an employee stakeholder has empowered real change, our menopause groups and policy are a direct result of our EO model.”

She also highlights the importance of fairness and meritocracy, with women represented across boards and governance groups, and decisions made based on performance, not position.

Tracey offers a lasting legacy at The 1:1 Diet and an inspiration to others aspiring to be award-winning employee owners.

She’s also currently looking to secure an Independent Trustee role to support other businesses in their ongoing Great EO journeys.