eoa Blog Archive

Giving Employee Voice Real Influence: The Power of the Three I’s

Posted on 26/05/2026
Employee voice expert Helen Moreton breaks down the power of her Three I’s approach in this teaser for our upcoming ‘Representing and Developing Employee Voice’ course.

eoa Turns 47 Today!

Posted on 15/05/2026
The eoa Turns 47 Today. Here's 47 Reasons We Love Employee Ownership.

Scottish, Welsh & English Local Elections: What Do Results Mean for Employee Ownership?

Posted on 11/05/2026
On Thursday (7 May), the public went to the polls to vote in the Scottish and Welsh elections, as well as local elections across England. So, what does this mean for employee ownership?

The 7 Ingredients to Developing Effective EO Leadership

Posted on 23/04/2026
If EO Leadership came with a simple recipe — a neat list of ingredients and a step-by-step method — developing it would be much easier. In reality, leading in an employee-owned business is less like following a recipe and more like being responsi

Make Your Voice Heard – Evolving the eoa at People Powered Business

Posted on 14/04/2026
Our People Powered Business: eoa AGM event is the chance for members to have their say on proposals to evolve how the eoa is governed. Below we lay out the changes and how they support us to meet the future needs of the EO sector.

Top Ten Tips for Entering the UK EO Awards

Posted on 10/02/2026
Martin Camp, Executive Director at Howden Insurance, sponsor of the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2026, shares ten top tips for maximising your entry.

EO practices that drive a culture of performance and innovation

Posted on 09/12/2025
Employee ownership done right transforms businesses and delivers far-reaching benefits for people and communities. Here are the practices you should consider when becoming EO.

CEO Blog: Celebrating a Successful Year and Looking Forward to 2026

Posted on 08/12/2025
2025 has emphasised not only a maturing eoa, but the employee owned sector at large. In his final blog of the year, our Chief Executive looks back at a watershed year and teases all the exciting things we’ve got planned for the next 12 months.

Owning the Future: Your eoa Annual Conference 2025 Takeaways

Posted on 02/12/2025
We might have officially wrapped the eoa Annual Conference 2025, but we stopped to pause before putting our takeaways out. That’s because we’ve loved your reactions and responses so much, we wanted to reflect them back.

Behind the Scenes at the UK EO Awards

Posted on 29/10/2025
Cristín Craig, Senior Legal Manager & Partner at Baxendale Employee Ownership – sponsors of this year’s UK EO Awards – was part of the judging panel that had the herculean task of picking ‘EO Business of the Year’ from our strongest shortlist to date

The Unwritten Rules: What Makes EOT Leadership Fundamentally Different?

Posted on 27/10/2025
In this guest blog, Barry Horner, Co-founder, former CEO, and current Executive Chair and Head of EO Services at Paradigm Norton Financial Planning, explores the leadership shifts that takes place when a business becomes employee owned.

CEO Blog: A New Phase for Employee Ownership

Posted on 14/10/2025
James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the eoa, looks back at what we’ve learned over the last year, and lays out our growth plans for the future. The golden age of employee ownership is only just beginning.

Selling Your Business - The Benefits of Employee Ownership (EO) in Succession Planning | EOA

Posted on 29/09/2025
For many founder-owners, succession planning is one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make. It’s not just about securing your financial future - it’s about protecting your employees, your legacy, and the independence of your business.

It’s Coming Home: A History of the UK EO Awards

Posted on 02/09/2025
From founding the UK EO Awards to returning as sponsor for 2025, Baxendale Employee Ownership remains a key pillar of the employee owned sector. We take a dive into this fascinating history of the awards to learn more.

CEO Blog: EO on the rise – Reflections from the Oxford Symposium on EO 2025

Posted on 08/08/2025
It was wonderful to be back in Oxford for the 2025 Oxford Symposium on Employee Ownership, says our Chief Executive, James de le Vingne, this time representing the growing UK EO sector and joining so many UK businesses and allies in attendance.

‘Invaluable’ says Seetec Using Independent Trustee Search

Posted on 07/08/2025
If the proof is indeed in the pudding, then Seetec’s recent experience of our Independent Trustee Search is very good proof indeed.

Top Tips for Entering the UK Employee Ownership Awards

Posted on 06/08/2025
Five top tips to help maximise your submission to the UK Employee Ownership Awards.

Be Part of the Ripple Effect on Owning the Future

Posted on 01/08/2025
A few small actions by a handful of people helped us to spread a smile far and wide for EO Day 2025, but how can we make sure an EO Smile ripples out across generations so more people can feel the benefits of employee ownership?

New Industrial Strategy - A Welcome Roadmap Offering Continuity & Assurance for UK Business

Posted on 08/07/2025
As the growing 2,470 strong UK EO sector was busy growing awareness of the benefits of retaining and growing employee ownership in the UK for EO Day 2025, the Government’s New Industrial Strategy landed.

The Pulse of Modern EO: Looking Back at the Robert Oakeshott Lecture

Posted on 07/07/2025
Over the last thirteen years, the Robert Oakeshott Lecture has become an important and inspiring fixture in the employee ownership calendar. As we approach the latest instalment, it’s a perfect opportunity to look back and see how far the sector’s co

Spreading Smiles and Celebrating People Powered Growth This EO Day

Posted on 20/06/2025
Thousands of employee owners across the UK are sharing an #eoSmile – a symbol of how employee ownership transforms lives, businesses, and communities – for EO Day 2025.

Three EOBs Open Up Ahead of EO Day

Posted on 26/05/2025
With twenty-five days to go until EO Day 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on three clients of sponsor Brabners who showcase an EO Smile in everything they do.

The History of EO Day

Posted on 01/05/2025
As we rapidly approach EO Day, we’re looking back over the last twelve years to see how far we’ve come.

A Fond Farewell to our Deputy CEO

Posted on 08/04/2025
After a decade with us, our Deputy CEO, Oliver Smith, is moving on to pastures new. Join us as we wish him all the best in his new role and look back over the last ten years of growth at the eoa and across the employee owned sector at large.

How to Activate Your EO Smile this EO Day

Posted on 07/04/2025
With less than seventy-five days until EO Day 2025, now’s the perfect time to plan your celebration! Don’t worry if you’re stuck for inspiration, we’ve got you covered.

The eoa Membership Council Needs You!

Posted on 31/03/2025
Join a dedicated group of diverse voices to help support us grow the EO sector and deliver excellent support and resources for members. On top of all that, it’s an excellent personal development opportunity.

Celebrating Senior EO Champions this International Women’s Day

Posted on 08/03/2025
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating two amazing women who’ve made significant contributions to employee ownership at both their respective businesses and the wider sector.

Operating Responsibly: The Link Between EO and Good Business Charter

Posted on 03/02/2025
Ahead of the first-ever Good Business Fortnight, we explore the synergies between employee ownership and the criteria of the Good Business Charter accreditation.

The EO Advantage for Apprenticeship Success

Posted on 29/01/2025
Employee ownership is uniquely positioned to leverage the many benefits offered by apprentices. So why aren’t more EO businesses taking them on?

Why Every Employee Owner Needs the EO Mindset

Posted on 23/01/2025
Discover what it means to be an employee owner and how to truly make every employee feel like the owners they are.

Pending Social Value Legislation and the EO Advantage

Posted on 20/12/2024
As the UK prepares for 2025 legislation mandating companies with 20+ employees to prioritise social value in government contracts, Michelle Leggatt, MD of eoa member, MindWorks Marketing, explores how EO naturally aligns with this shift.

CEO Blog: Wrapping Up 2024

Posted on 17/12/2024
In his last blog of the year, our Chief Exec, James de le Vingne, looks back at the biggest, best, and busiest year in eoa history.

Progression Solicitors Transitions to EO: A New Chapter for Growth and Innovation

Posted on 10/12/2024
eoa member Progression Solicitors has joined the growing number of law firms to become employee owned. For the South Lakes and North Lancashire firm, employee ownership was the natural direction of travel after exhibiting many of the hallmarks of EO.

eoa Annual Conference 2024 – Your Key Takeaways

Posted on 04/12/2024
Following our most successful eoa Annual Conference, we dive into your feedback for a list of inspiring takeaways.

CEO Blog: Reflections on the Power of EO at our Largest Conference to Date

Posted on 02/12/2024
Following the biggest and best eoa Annual Conference to date, our Chief Executive James de le Vingne reflects on the sector’s remarkable recent growth and looks ahead to the commitments, challenges, and opportunities for 2025.

Royally Recognised EO: Loadhog Talks Award-Winning Innovation

Posted on 08/11/2024
Employee owned innovator Loadhog was recently visited by HRH The Princess Royal after winning one of the first ever King’s Awards the year before. The eoa chatted to the business to discover how all this came about.

Revealing Our Brand-New Course for Employee Voice Chairs

Posted on 24/10/2024
‘How to Confidently Chair Employee Voice Groups’ is an interactive training session that will empower you to unlock the full potential of your employee voice group.

The Power of EO: Oliver & Co Crowned ‘Best Place to Work’ for Second Year Running

Posted on 22/10/2024
Oliver & Co has won ‘Best Place to Work’ at the British Wills & Probate Awards for the second year in a row. Here, it explores how EO is fundamental to putting people first, building an award-winning workplace, and its continued success.

Boost Your Business with Lessons learned from UK EO Award Winners

Posted on 17/10/2024
Whether you're transitioning to EO or refining your approach, we’ve curated three essential sessions at this year's eoa Annual Conference to provide proven strategies, actions, and results to get you on the road to Great EO.

The Power of Employee Voice: Building EO Culture and Engagement

Posted on 15/10/2024
It’s easy to fall into grand statements, exaggerations, and absolutes when it comes to employee ownership (EO). But where employee voice is concerned, its importance can’t be overstated.

Great Governance from Day One: The Crucial Role of Your Trustees

Posted on 09/10/2024
Getting governance right the first time is a crucial step towards achieving Great EO. But how do Independent Trustees and Employee Trustees contribute to a governance structure that shines from day one? Let’s find out!

Top Tips on How to Get the Most out of the eoa Annual Conference

Posted on 27/08/2024
Baxendale Employee Ownership, sponsors of the eoa Annual Conference for a third year running, share their top tips on how to get the most out of your Conference experience.

The Rise of Employee Owned Law Firms: A New Paradigm in Legal Practice

Posted on 14/08/2024
This guest article from eoa member Oliver & Co Solicitors – which became 100% employee owned in 2022 – explores how EO offers a sustainable and inclusive approach to law firm management, benefiting both employees and clients.

Empowering Ownership: AI's Impact on Employee Owned Businesses

Posted on 01/08/2024
From upskilling employee owners and unlocking creativity to strategic initiatives to ethical considerations, explore how eoa members including Purplefish and Riverford Organic Farmers are shaping the future of AI in the EO sector.

BCMS Marks Bold New Era with New Name Two Years After EO Transition

Posted on 18/07/2024
Employee ownership has transformed BCMS and its strategy. So much so that the specialist, independent sell-side corporate finance advisor has unveiled a brand new look and name.

Thanks For Helping Make EO Day 24 the Best Yet!

Posted on 08/07/2024
Thanks to every single one of you took part in EO Day 2024 to celebrate being #ProudlyEO. It was our best year yet!

Shout About Being EO: Takeaways from our Leeds F2F

Posted on 04/07/2024
On the eve of the general election, dozens of members from across the eoa community came together at RSM’s Leeds HQ to explore the approach, governance, and structure of Great EO.

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre Celebrates 10 Years of Being an EOT

Posted on 03/07/2024
An early adopter of the employee ownership trust (EOT) model, Swindon-based business, The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), has marked a decade of being EO in style.

The Power of eoa Community: Takeaways from our Bristol F2F

Posted on 26/06/2024
A cross section of the EO community came together in Bristol this week and walked away with answers, ideas, and where to get the best EO resources. Whether you joined us or not, here’s a quick look back at the event.

EO Emerges as Best Succession Option for Tech and Digital Transformation Consultants, PTS Consulting

Posted on 19/06/2024
After exploring all possible succession routes, employee ownership emerged as the best way forward for technology and digital transformation consultants PTS Consulting (PTS).

How Employee Ownership Enables LGBTQIA+ People to Thrive

Posted on 17/06/2024
By distributing ownership and giving everyone a stake and a say, EO fosters workplaces where LGBTQIA+ employees can flourish, leading to a more equitable and representative corporate landscape. Join us for a closer look this Pride Month.

CEO Blog Manifesto Week - No Upsets, No Big Surprises, But Plenty to Build on

Posted on 13/06/2024
James de le Vingne, Chief Exec of the eoa, dives into the manifestoes released this week, what they mean for employee ownership, and his hopes for an incoming government.

Celebrating Financial Freedom with EO Day

Posted on 11/06/2024
Back in 2018, The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan used EO Day 2018 to announce its financial freedom. Here, our EO Day 24 sponsor relives a special day that will forever remain as a milestone moment for the business.

How Britain’s First LGBTQ+ Certified Business Used EO to Better Embed EDI

Posted on 03/06/2024
For Pride Month, we spoke to Ed Riseman from eoa member The Big Group about running a business as an LGBTQ+ person and how employee ownership weaves EDI in the workplace to benefit all employees.

The Power of Sensitive Succession Planning: Takeaways from our Scottish EO Exchange

Posted on 24/05/2024
This week, a cross section of Scotland’s employee owned sector came together in Edinburgh for our EO Exchange based around succession planning – sharing insights and experience amid news that Scottish EO businesses are skyrocketing.

Five Ways to Supercharge your EO at the eoa Annual Conference

Posted on 20/05/2024
Baxendale Employee Ownership, sponsors of the eoa Annual Conference for a third year running, break down five reasons why you should attend.

‘A vehicle for unleashing employees’ potential’ – The Industry Club Goes EO

Posted on 30/04/2024
Creative recruiter, The Industry Club, has marked its thirteenth year by transitioning to employee ownership.

CEO Blog: New eoa - Shaping the Future

Posted on 25/04/2024
James de le Vingne, CEO of the eoa, reflects on everything we unveiled at the People Powdered Business event and explores the exciting launches we've got planned for the next few months.

Optimum Coatings Ushers in Era of Business Success in Morecambe with Move to EO

Posted on 10/04/2024
Optimum Coatings has reaffirmed its commitment to its vibrant local community, recognised the contributions of its employees, and secured long-term business stability by transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Demonstrate Your Employee Ownership Pride Ahead of EO Day

Posted on 08/04/2024
We’re rapidly approaching the twelfth annual EO Day, uniting the sector to celebrate the power of Great EO.

Interact Becomes the First Employee Owned Contact Centre Outsourcer

Posted on 28/03/2024
Interact has become the UK’s first employee owned contact centre outsourcer after selling the majority of its shares into an Employee Ownership Trust

The Countdown is on to Celebrate ‘Proudly EO’ Businesses for EO Day

Posted on 13/03/2024
There’s only a 100 days until this year’s EO Day. We guarantee it’ll be here before you know it. So mark your calendars for Friday June 21, appoint an EO Day lead, and/or assemble your team, and plan your EO Day activity.

Purplefish Announces Transition to Employee Ownership

Posted on 11/03/2024
Purplefish has become the first PR agency in Bristol to make the move to employee ownership after founder Joanna Randall sold all of her shares to an Employee Owned Trust.

Empowering Equality: The Impact of Employee Ownership on Gender Diversity in Business

Posted on 08/03/2024
We spoke to a few of the female senior leaders in the eoa community to understand how a variety of EOBs from across different industries are empowering women.