The eoa brings together a wealth of data, unique insights and, via our member network, an in-depth understanding of EO in action. 

We collaborate on research with experts, thought leaders, and academics working with us to better understand employee ownership and the impact it can make.

From driving wellbeing and prosperity, to delivering growth-boosting investment in skills, knowledge and innovation – there’s a plenty to be learned from businesses that are truly people powered.  

EO Sector Stats

eoa and WRCEO, UK EO Business register, March 2026 edn.

EO Businesses in the UK*

~2,824

UK Employee Owners*

~547,971

Transition Rate for 2025*

~500

 

*Data taken from the EO Business Register updated and maintained by the eoa and the WREOC. Typically updated monthly.

About the EO Business Register

The EO Business Index collates the UK’s most comprehensive data and insights on employee ownership.

It was developed by the eoa and the White Rose Employee Ownership Centre (WREOC) and is sponsored by eoa Trustee member, Gripple.

Formed in 2013, the WREOC has established itself as a leading centre for EO research and practice. It’s among the eleven founding members of the Consortium of Universities on Employee Share Ownership. Since 2014, it has worked as partners with the eoa to research and promote UK employee ownership.

As well as undertaking a sector survey, the WREOC has historically compiled the sector’s most extensive data profile each year. This has now evolved into the EO Business Register. 

This data provides the statistical backdrop to UK EO. It’s been used to support sector growth over the last decade in Britain and inform policy, legislation and practice internationally – including in Canada, Australia, and Norway.

Where We're Looking to Expand

You’ll find some of the key areas we’re looking to expand our research into below. Just click on the topics for more info.

  • The impacts of EO on quality of goods and services

Evidence so far indicates EOBs are inherently incentivised to invest in improving their goods and services at comparatively higher rates. We want to go further by exploring whether this translates to improvements in the quality of products and services in the EO sector compared to non-EOBs.

  • The impact of profit-share on regional economies

It’s understood that, when profits are shared with employees, the spending of employees in the local and regional economy creates a “multiplier effect” where value added recirculates through the local/regional, adding greater value vs profits otherwise being extracted out of the local / regional economy (such as, for example, to private equity shareholders situated in a different geography).

  • The impact EO can make on different industries

The eoa recently produced a paper in partnership with Care England exploring the role that employee ownership can play in adult social care, considering quality of care, capacity of the sector to deliver care, and addressing key challenges specific to that sector. We’re exploring developing our evidence base on how EO can impact specific industries and capitalise on and address unique opportunities and challenges respectively. Industries of particular interest include:

  • Health and social care
  • Construction & built environment
  • Agriculture
  • Advanced manufacturing and tech

Latest Research & Insights

09 Jan 2026
Robust Growth Champions - A New Report
A new report produced by eoa Supporter member ThinCats in partnership with the eoa and independent thinktank Ownership at Work demonstrates how employee owned businesses are building a resilient growth economy
Find out more
09 Jan 2026
International Employee Ownership
Chronicling the global expansion of employee ownership via the role of the eoa and our International Ambassador, Graeme Nuttall OBE
Find out more
08 Apr 2025
Doubling the Mutual Economy: Report Urges Gov to Act on Unlocking £93bn Sector
A new independent report shows that removing financial barriers will unlock growth for mutuals and co-operatives and deliver on Labour’s manifesto.
News
Find out more
21 Nov 2023
Action to Educate Businesses on EO Succession Could Save Thousands of ‘at risk’ Jobs and Businesses
The eoa welcomes research that shows how many business owners will be looking to sell, divest or liquidate their shareholding over the next 10 years in the report 'Generation EO: The Great Succession Opportunity'.
Research
Find out more
18 Oct 2023
The EO Knowledge Programme - Reports & Evidence
Discover the EO Knowledge Programme which provides a baseline for the impacts of people powered growth, evidences the practices that support businesses to deliver Great EO and understand how to measure EO social and environmental impacts.
Research
Find out more
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