eoa News Archive

Help Shape the Future of Finance for Employee Owned Businesses

Posted on 04/06/2026
A new survey is gathering evidence on the finance and investment needs of employee owned businesses to help shape the support for a stronger, thriving sector.

HMRC Issues Self Assessment Tax Guidance on Employee Ownership Trusts

Posted on 22/05/2026
HMRC has issued new Self Assessment guidance on Employee Ownership Trust disposals, while also clarifying key technical questions on EBT contributions, irrecoverable deferred consideration, and the availability of BADR where EOT relief is withdrawn.

Members Approve eoa Governance Changes at 2026 AGM

Posted on 14/05/2026
Members have approved a vote to strengthen member voice, sharpen our Board focus, and future proof the eoa as we work to propel employee ownership into the mainstream.

Northern Ireland Announces 20th Business to Become Employee Owned

Posted on 05/05/2026
Northern Ireland has officially announced its twentieth business to transition to employee ownership.

Canada Secures Permanent CGT Exemption on EOTs

Posted on 01/05/2026
EO Canada, one of our counterparts across the Atlantic, has secured government support for extended tax reliefs on its version of the Employee Ownership Trust.

UK Employee Ownership Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced

Posted on 30/04/2026
After many exceptional entries and some very tough calls, we’re thrilled to reveal the shortlist for this year’s UK Employee Ownership Awards.

eoa Appoints Newly Created Vice Chair Role

Posted on 29/04/2026
The eoa has strengthened the leadership capacity of its Board with the appointment of a Vice Chair.

EO Sector Closes in on 3,000 Businesses – Here’s How You Can be an EO Champion

Posted on 27/04/2026
The latest employee owned sector stats reveal steady growth, but to maintain momentum and propel EO into the mainstream, we need your support.

Shambala Becomes UK’s First Employee Owned Festival

Posted on 22/04/2026
eoa member Kambe Events – the company behind independent festival Shambala – has become the UK’s first festival to transition to employee ownership.

Rugby Icon Announced as eoaLive! Keynote Speaker

Posted on 09/04/2026
We’re thrilled to announce Philippa Tuttiett as keynote speaker for the inaugural eoaLive! event taking place at the Library of Birmingham on Wednesday 10 June.

RTC North Becomes First Company Limited by Guarantee to Become Employee Owned

Posted on 02/04/2026
Business consultancy RTC North has become the first ever company limited by guarantee to transition to employee ownership.

HMRC Encourages Founders to Submit Self Assessment Tax Returns as Soon as Possible

Posted on 19/03/2026
Business founders are being encouraged by HMRC to submit their Self Assessment tax returns as soon as possible if they’re applying to pay tax in instalments. Keep reading to discover more.

EO Day 2026: How Are You Owning It?

Posted on 11/03/2026
2026 sees the employee owned sector step into its most ambitious era to date. There’s no better way to help drive the shift than EO Day.

CGT Update: eoa Continues to Press EOT Asks with Government

Posted on 09/03/2026
The eoa continues to press Employee Ownership Trust asks with Government on behalf of our members following the reduction in CGT relief.

Revealing eoaLive! – Our New One-Day Event Featuring the UK EO Awards

Posted on 24/02/2026
Tickets are now live for our brand-new eoaLive! event featuring the UK Employee Ownership Awards taking place at the Library of Birmingham on Wednesday 10 June.

Employee Ownership, the Impact Economy, and the eoa’s Response to Government Call for Evidence

Posted on 18/02/2026
The eoa has submitted a final response to the government’s call for evidence on business support for mutuals.

eoa HQ Moves to Manchester

Posted on 11/02/2026
The eoa is moving to Manchester, marking a new chapter and supporting the delivery of our sector growth strategy.

EO Mindset White Paper Publishes in ‘International Review of Applied Economics’

Posted on 09/02/2026
A new white paper written by members of the eoa provides an in-depth introduction and examination of our propriety EO Mindset as a practical and theoretical framework for understanding what it means to be an employee owner.

EOT Positivity as eoa Begins Growth Strategy Development

Posted on 05/02/2026
Despite a pause in Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) deals due to a need for greater clarity on Capital Gains Tax (CGT) relief changes, positivity around the model and its impacts is in full flow.

Nominations Open for UK Employee Ownership Awards 2026

Posted on 03/02/2026
Celebrate success, recognise best practice, and showcase how you’re Owning It by submitting to the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2026.

HMRC Clarity on Capital Gains Tax Changes: Update for Members

Posted on 19/12/2025
An update for eoa members providing clarity on Capital Gains Tax changes following the eoa’s meeting with HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade.

Call for Evidence: Share Your Employee Ownership Experiences with Government

Posted on 12/12/2025
We’re urging eoa members to support our response to the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for mutuals (which includes employee ownership).

Welcome to the Latest eoa Membership Council Additions

Posted on 09/12/2025
We’re thrilled to welcome another crop of talented EO champions to the eoa Membership Council.

CGT Relief on the EOT One Week On – Your Questions Answered

Posted on 04/12/2025
In only seven days, we’ve moved from being blindsided by a 50% cut to CGT relief on sales to EOTs to working with members, advisers, and government on a strategy to keep viable EOT deals moving. Here, we answer your most pressing questions.

eoa Member Statement: Capital Gains Tax Relief Changes for Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)

Posted on 27/11/2025
The UK Government has today confirmed its continued support for employee ownership as a strategic business succession option – while adjusting the fiscal treatment of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) to reflect wider economic pressures.

UK EO Awards 2025 Winners Revealed

Posted on 25/11/2025
We’re delighted to officially reveal the winners for the 2025 UK Employee Ownership Awards.

How Employee Voice Unlocks Belonging, Trust & Long-Term Success

Posted on 13/11/2025
Helen Moreton shares what it takes to build real dialogue, let go of control, and make employee voice a positive force for connection and growth.

Behind the Boardroom Doors: Why Governance Defines the Past, Present & Future of EO

Posted on 06/11/2025
Governance is the glue that holds employee ownership together. In this exclusive interview with EO experts Simon Fowler and Jane Mitchell, we discuss the ins and outs of great governance.

Announcing the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2025 Shortlist

Posted on 28/10/2025
After some excellent entries and very tough decisions, we’re delighted to officially announce the shortlist for this year’s UK Employee Ownership Awards.

EO Unlocks National Expansion for Parfetts

Posted on 09/10/2025
In a milestone moment, Parfetts – a powerhouse employee owned business and Trustee member of the eoa – has expanded its national presence with a ninth cash and carry depot.

Employee Ownership as a Catalyst for Cultural Transformation

Posted on 07/10/2025
We spoke to One + All Chairman Donald Moore about how the move to employee ownership not only saved the business but unlocked a model for better business.

MPs call Employee Ownership Trusts in Ireland a “no-brainer”

Posted on 25/09/2025
MPs call Employee Ownership Trusts in Ireland a “no-brainer”

2024 Marks Record Year for Employee Ownership and Mutuals

Posted on 23/09/2025
2024 was a record year for employee ownership and mutuals, with new data and government backing driving growth through the EOA and Ownership Hub.

Robert Oakeshott Lecture 2025: Time to Put EO at the Heart of the Economy

Posted on 05/09/2025
Employee ownership delivers dignity, productivity and resilience, but how do we ensure more people benefit? That was the challenge laid down at this year’s Robert Oakeshott Lecture, delivered by Professor Joseph Blasi.

Early EO Lessons: Succession, Energy, and the Blueprint for the Future

Posted on 03/09/2025
Allyson Glover, Co-Founder of Happy Business, reflects on the importance of succession planning, the lessons from Blue Flame’s award-winning transition, and why leadership and culture are at the epicentre of long-term success.

Winners Announced at Inaugural Nigel Mason Award

Posted on 01/09/2025
The winners of the first-ever Nigel Mason Award have been announced, celebrating powerful research and continuing the legacy of a true authority on employee ownership.

‘True British Success Story’ The Entertainer Becomes Employee Owned

Posted on 11/08/2025
The future of the high street is employee owned as The Entertainer joins John Lewis, Lush, and Richer Sounds to become the latest major retailer to make the move to EO.

Small Business Plan – What Does it Mean for EO Businesses

Posted on 11/08/2025
The launch of the Small Business Plan offers a slew of support for Britain’s SMEs. With the vast majority of EO businesses falling into this category, what does the plan have to say about employee ownership?

All Change at the eoa: Renewed Purpose and New Faces

Posted on 04/08/2025
For almost fifty years, the eoa has convened and championed the employee owned sector. We’ve now restructured, honed our focus, and are fully dedicated to propelling EO into the mainstream.

UK’s Largest EO Social Care Provider Becomes eoa Trustee Member

Posted on 21/07/2025
We’re delighted to announce that Be Caring has become the latest major employee owned business to become a Trustee member of the eoa.

Wales Targets 100 EO Businesses in 2025 After Surpassing Gov Target

Posted on 18/07/2025
Wales is aiming to reach one hundred employee owned businesses after surpassing the target set by Welsh Government in 2024.

Nominations Open for the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2025

Posted on 09/07/2025
Nominations have officially opened for the prestigious UK Employee Ownership Awards 2025 sponsored by Baxendale Employee Ownership.

Three New Employee Owners Join eoa Membership Council

Posted on 12/06/2025
It’s a time of exciting change at the eoa as we welcome three new faces to the eoa Membership Council (EMC).

Robert Oakeshott Lecture 2025: Putting EO at the Heart of the Economy

Posted on 11/06/2025
Taking place on Monday 1 September at Bayes Business School in London, this year’s Robert Oakeshott Lecture will dive into the relevance of employee ownership for society and democracies – exploring research and an exciting future for EO.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Double Mutuals Sector at No.10 Reception

Posted on 10/06/2025
This week, the eoa were among those invited to attend a reception for co-operatives and mutuals at No.10 Downing Street where the government reaffirmed its commitment to doubling the size of the sector.

Registration Opens for the eoa Annual Conference 2025

Posted on 28/05/2025
Join 850+ changemakers for two days of powerful connection, insight, and action at the UK’s flagship EO event. The journey to ‘Owning the Future’ starts now.

eoa International Ambassador Graeme Nuttall Named NCEO Fellow

Posted on 20/05/2025
The move strengthens and supports the eoa’s ongoing international policy work and creates stronger ties with our partners in the US.

New Global Guide Maps Pathways to Employee Ownership

Posted on 09/05/2025
For the first time, a comparative guide to employee ownership models around the globe has been published in a resource supported by the eoa and aimed at policymakers and practitioners.

Final EOT Guidance: Progress Made, But Key Ambiguities Remain

Posted on 09/04/2025
HMRC has now published its guidance on the legislative changes to employee ownership trusts (EOT). There’s undeniable progress, but key ambiguities are cause for concern.

Doubling the Mutual Economy: Report Urges Gov to Act on Unlocking £93bn Sector

Posted on 08/04/2025
A new independent report shows that removing financial barriers will unlock growth for mutuals and co-operatives and deliver on Labour’s manifesto.

EO Day 2025 – 100 Days to Go!

Posted on 12/03/2025
There’s only 100 days until EO Day 2025. So, mark your calendars for Friday June 20, appoint an EO Day lead, assemble your team, and plan your activity as you look to share your #eoSmile.

Report recommends EO solution to looming ‘care capacity and quality crisis’

Posted on 12/02/2025
The time is now to explore employee ownership (EO) succession to help retain employees and capacity in the care sector, asserts a White Paper published by Care England supported by the eoa.

Government Acts on EOT Legislation Following eoa Advocacy

Posted on 30/01/2025
The UK government has progressed measures to safeguard the integrity of employee ownership trusts (EOT) through the Finance Bill, incorporating some amendments after sustained engagement with the eoa.

EO Day 2025 – Revealing This Year’s Sponsor and Theme

Posted on 23/01/2025
Believe it or not, but there’s only five months until EO Day 2025 – and we’re excited to reveal this year’s sponsor and theme.

New Report Hails EO Sector as ‘Robust Growth Champions’

Posted on 03/12/2024
A new report from employee ownership thinktank Ownership at Work and eoa supporter member ThinCats asserts that the EO sector has a significantly higher percentage of businesses that are ‘Robust Growth Champions.’

Australia Continues EOT Progress Supported by eoa International Ambassador

Posted on 03/12/2024
eoa International Ambassador Graeme Nuttall OBE has been in Australia advocating and raising awareness for the employee ownership trust model he helped to popularise in the UK.

Employee Ownership Award Winners Revealed

Posted on 26/11/2024
The winners of this year's prestigious UK Employee Ownership Awards have been revealed during a gala dinner during the eoa Annual Conference.

Policy Win! Building on a Decade of EO Growth and Impact

Posted on 30/10/2024
The EOT has been future-proofed in the Autumn Budget 2024 through reforms securing its integrity and ease of use, actioning recommendations proposed by the eoa, as well as muting speculation that its tax incentives were at risk.

Announcing the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2024 Shortlist

Posted on 16/10/2024
After some very tough decisions, we’re delighted to officially announce the shortlist for this year’s UK Employee Ownership Awards.

eoa Supports Launch of Legacy Award for Employee Ownership Research

Posted on 19/09/2024
Kellogg College is seeking submissions for the first inaugural Nigel Mason Award, which has been established using a bequest to advance employee ownership research.

eoa Supports Call to Triple Scotland’s Inclusive and Democratic Businesses

Posted on 03/09/2024
New award to celebrate the impact of employee ownership and cooperatives launched as Scotland reveals its new economic strategy

Ten Years of the EOT: A Decade of Great EO Commitment for and by the EO Sector

Posted on 17/07/2024
Ten years ago today, the employee ownership trust (EOT) gained royal ascent. Today we celebrate ten achievements linked to the EOT in the decade since.

eoa International Ambassador Helps Denmark Get EOT Model Across the Finish Line

Posted on 10/07/2024
Denmark will set up an employee ownership model with equal tax terms for businesses to transition ownership – a hugely positive result that our International Ambassador helped get across the finish line.

The UK Employee Ownership Awards 2024 Have Launched

Posted on 03/07/2024
Nominations are now open for the prestigious UK Employee Ownership Awards, which celebrate the achievements of businesses that truly deliver people power.

EO Day 2024 – Proudly Showcasing the Answer to a More Thriving and Resilient UK Economy

Posted on 21/06/2024
From Scotland down to Cornwall, from Wales across to Hull, businesses that are growing and investing in the UK for the longer term are celebrating and raising awareness of a growing sector that is #ProudlyEO

eoa Launches Manifesto for Gov to Incentivise, Support, and Unlock UK EO Potential

Posted on 14/05/2024
The eoa has officially launched its manifesto calling on Government to unlock the potential of the UK’s employee owned sector.

Ireland Makes History with its First Employee Ownership Trust

Posted on 03/05/2024
Ireland has announced its very first employee ownership transition using the employee ownership trust model – potentially paving the way for a vibrant new era of Irish employee ownership.

Employee Ownership Underpins Scott and Fyfe’s Incredible Turnaround

Posted on 17/04/2024
Scott and Fyfe, a pioneering technical textiles company, has announced impressive profits which it attributes in part to employee ownership.

eoa Welcomes Graeme Nuttall OBE as its First Official Ambassador

Posted on 02/04/2024
Graeme Nuttall OBE has joined the eoa as International Ambassador, with a focus on developing and promoting international best practice for employee ownership.

eoa Backs Calls for Policy Reform to Fix UK Economy

Posted on 07/03/2024
A cross-sector report launched today in Parliament by the Future Economy Alliance calls for a dedicated UK Government Minister to overhaul economic policy.

What Does the Spring Budget Mean for Employee Ownership?

Posted on 07/03/2024
The Spring Budget presents missed opportunities in building a more prosperous economy; developing the role of EO, and further unlocking its impacts for businesses, employees, and our wider society.

eoa Part Of Collective to Engage with Government On Future Economy

Posted on 21/12/2023
The eoa attended a meeting with Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake and the Prime Minister’s Business Adviser Franck Petitgas, as part of a collective to discuss the key issues of interest to employee owned, family and small businesses

Employee Ownership Pioneers and Exemplars Celebrated at EO Sector Awards

Posted on 29/11/2023
A night of celebration was enjoyed by 800+ people at the UK Employee Ownership Awards, at the ACC Liverpool, last night (Monday 27th November 2023) with five winners celebrating success.

Action to Educate Businesses on EO Succession Could Save Thousands of ‘at risk’ Jobs and Businesses

Posted on 21/11/2023
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'.

eoa Responds to Government Consultation on EOTS and EBTs

Posted on 21/09/2023
The eoa has submitted its response to the government's consultation on EOTs and supported its members to do the same - as part of its policy priority to ensure the conditions for employee ownership to grow.

Why We’re Sharing our Policy Priorities for the EO Sector

Posted on 31/08/2023
We have worked with our members to co-produce our policy priorities to make sure their interests and that of the EO sector is represented in our influencing work.