Announcing the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2024 Shortlist

After some very tough decisions, we’re delighted to officially announce the shortlist for this year’s UK Employee Ownership Awards.

Image: The logo for this year's UK EO Awards

From Scotland to Cornwall and Hull to Cardiff, we’re celebrating the sixteen businesses shortlisted in the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2024.

More than sixty businesses applied from all over the UK and selecting the shortlist was the most difficult it’s ever been. 

There were some tough decisions, but it all showed the incredible calibre of businesses across the EO sector.

Check out the full shortlist for each category below.

EO Transition of the Year

Aspect

Strategic communication consultancy based in Scotland

Blue Flame

Heating, renewable, and electrical business based in Cornwall

Ignis

Consumer/B2B comms and marketing agency based in London

Wildfire PR

PR and Tech PR agency based in London

EO Rising Star of the Year

JP Hildreth

Consultants in engineering projects for manufacturing excellence, Chesham

NEL technologies

Specialist in Flexible Heaters and Thermal Management Solutions, Newcastle

Nikwax

High performance outdoor wear solutions, Wadhurst, East Sussex

Principle Cleaning

Commercial Cleaning of landmark properties, London

Sewell Group

Estates, Investment, construction, consultancy, data, and facilities, Hull

Solarsense

Solar panels and other renewable technologies, Clevedon

EO Business of the Year

Answer Digital

Digital consultancy, Leeds

Gripple

Manufacturer of wire tensioning, Sheffield

Ison Harrison

Solicitors, Leeds

Quintessa

Technical and strategic consultancy Warrington

Riverford Organics

Farming and food distribution, Devon

Shaw Healthcare

Care provider across the UK, Cardiff 

Employee Owner of the Year

Tracey Calderwood

The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan

Harvey Hancock

 Gripple

Jade Loftus

Matrix Booking

Ed Scott

Riverford Organics

Ann-Marie Conway

Seetec

Judging

The judging panel is made up of James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the eoa, Martin Camp of awards sponsor Howden, and eoa Membership Council representatives Ruth Barker of Purcell and Antonio Wedral of This is Novos. 

James said: “The calibre of applications show the remarkable accomplishments of employee owned businesses at various stages of EO from regions and industries across the UK. 

“These proudly employee owned businesses are leading the way in developing Great EO practices, delivering increased employee wellbeing and business performance, and contributing to People Powered Growth in the UK.”

Martin said: "We're delighted to support the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2024, celebrating the Great EO results delivered by employee owners and businesses that fully leverage their EO approach, roles, and actions.

"These submissions bring to life how individuals and businesses are delivering and evolving employee ownership to support better livelihood outcomes for employees, as well as more innovation and growth." 

Revealing the Winners

Winners will be revealed at a gala dinner celebration on Tuesday November 26 at the Telford International Centre as part of the eoa Annual Conference.

If you haven’t already booked your tickets to join us at the conference next month, you’ll have to be quick. They’re running out fast! Click or tap here to book now.

The Awards

The UK EO Awards celebrate the achievements of businesses that truly deliver people power. They recognise businesses and individuals who drive effective employee ownership practices and empower employee owners to unlock Great EO impacts.

The awards are sponsored by Howden, an expert insurance group and eoa Trustee member.