The History of EO Day

In 2013, amid growing concerns over wealth and business ownership inequality in the UK, EO gained greater awareness as a powerful, long-term solution, gaining unprecedented momentum with a 9% increase in EOBs. Backed by the forthcoming EOT, the sector stood out as a ray of light in a still-fragile economy, offering higher productivity, more equitable wealth distribution, and a real alternative to short-term corporate thinking. It was against this backdrop that the first-ever EO Day was launched.

As we’ve already mentioned above, 2014 saw the introduction of the EOT – so it was always going to be a big EO Day. In fact, EO Day 2014 was at the time the most successful single initiative ever mounted in the UK to profile the extent and benefits of employee ownership.

We marked the third ever EO Day with the launch of a £10,000 investment award sponsored by John Lewis Partnership. It was open to any entrepreneur who was about to create an EOB – whether as a start-up enterprise or via transitioning an existing business. Dowding Precision were crowned the winner.

EO Day was really finding its groove in 2016. In fact, we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of events that took place up and down the country. Not to mention all the imaginative ideas used to promote the sector. From sports days and balloon releases to team lunches and MP visits, EOBs were truly flying the flag.

To celebrate the fifth EO Day, 2017 was all about five. From high-fiving your colleagues and telling five people about being EO, to taking five actions (such as writing a blog, creating a video, or taking a picture). Judging by the excitement at the time, EOBs were only too happy to start high-fiving left, right, and centre.

This year was all about empowering EOBs to tell their stories. Then, by sharing those stories across our channels, we were helping to grow the sector. These stories built on the launch of the ‘Ownership Dividend’ report, the result of a year-long independent business-led review managed by the eoa that heard evidence from 100 EOBs and advisers at national hearings across the UK. We then used the findings to urge Government to invest in capacity building to create more EO in the UK economy.

2019 was a big year. Not only did the eoa turn forty, but Richer Sounds became one of the highest profile businesses to make the move to EO. For EO Day, the focus was all on the impact of EO on individuals and communities, based on evidence showcasing the positive impact of EO on employee wellbeing and the communities where EOBs are based.

Although the UK’s first national lockdown was easing in June, we’d planned for a very different kind of EO Day. But that didn’t stop thousands of employee owners celebrating. Businesses helped us showcase that EO is the answer. It’s been five years and that message has never been clearer.

Four years ago, we used interlocking circles to highlight how the benefits of EO creates a scaffold around the business. And, of course, there was a key focus on how we’re better together, from mental health to diversity and inclusion – a message we all needed during the height of the pandemic.

No surprise given the above theme, but 2022 was all about growing not only the sector, but also the proposition, evidence, and partnerships of the eoa. This all helped to lay the foundation for the EO Day we know and love today.

This year was all about the positive and powerful effect that employee ownership had across the board – from the business to the environment and everything in between. As part of the campaign, we officially announced the sector had reached over 1,400 EOBs.

2024 saw the sector showcasing its pride – and there was plenty of pride to go round! It was our most successful campaign to date with an estimated reach of 2.1 million driven by hundreds of EOBs getting in on the action.

2025 saw us put the EO Smile front and centre. The power of the EO Smile improves working lives, livelihoods, and opportunity for individuals who, in turn, drive productivity, innovation, and better community and environmental impacts. With this as its epicentre, the EO Smile is an unstoppable force to deliver people powered growth.