Pending Social Value Legislation and the EO Advantage

As the UK prepares for 2025 legislation mandating companies with 20+ employees to prioritise social value in government contracts, Michelle Leggatt, Managing Director of eoa member, MindWorks Marketing, explores how employee ownership naturally aligns with this shift. 

Image: Michelle Leggatt, Managing Director, MindWorks Marketing

Following the success of this year’s eoa Annual Conference, we are reflecting on how an employee owned (EO) model supports the pending legislation in February 2025 to make companies with over twenty employees factor in Social Value, which emphasises wellbeing, sustainability and giving back to local communities, when bidding for government contracts. 

With rising energy costs and an increasingly competitive marketplace, it’s tempting to think that social value and sustainability should not be at the top of the priorities list. But we’ve always believed that social value makes good business sense.

Firstly, a company’s social impact is of growing importance for clients and employees. Customers are keen to know about a company’s community or wellbeing initiatives and the sustainability of their supply chains. It also boosts recruitment and retention of staff.

We asked key stakeholders from our own community – an employee, a client and a supplier – to share their views on how our being EO with a focus on social value impacts their experience working with us.

Employee Perspective

Lucy Carver, Senior Account Manager and Co-owner at MindWorks, said: “Employee ownership means everyone has a stake in the business, and employees’ wellbeing is valued. 

“As a working mother who wants to excel in a career while being there for my family, it’s empowering to work for an EO company that understands the importance of a flexible work-life balance – it’s not just lip service. 

“Knowing that the company’s commitment to social value also extends to initiatives such as supporting local apprenticeships and sustainable business practices makes me proud to work here."

Client Perspective

Alex Rae, CEO of EO company, Wise Investment, said: "MindWorks’ employee-owned model means that everyone we work with there has a vested interest in our projects. 

“We’ve been clients for several years, and what stands out is the team’s dedication to bringing more than just creative and technical expertise to the table; they bring a vision for how we have a broader impact, from using eco-friendly materials to creating online content that reflects both our brand and our social initiatives. 

“We’re proud to be associated with a company that cares not just about the bottom line, but also about leaving a lasting positive impact on society – and that’s what keeps us coming back." 

Supplier Perspective

Rob Praine, Managing Director of Emphasis, event production company, said: 

“Working with an EO company that shares our commitment to responsible and transparent business practices benefits everyone involved. 

“The open communication and genuine collaboration help us find sustainable solutions for even the most challenging setups. 

“It’s not just about meeting the contract's terms but going beyond that to ensure everything we do leaves a positive footprint.”

From offering flexible working conditions to providing young people with career opportunities through apprenticeships, we believe that incorporating social value builds a culture of innovation and commitment to a better society. And as an EO company, we’ve always known that it pays to go beyond the basics and aim for something better.

Discover more about the eoa’s policy positions in the eoa Manifesto and the dedicated Policy page.