“The conference was great, with valuable insights and prompts for us all on how we can continue to do business better and continue to develop.”
Nick Doyle (Nik wax)
“I have been telling colleagues today, that for me, having been to many EOA conferences over the last 9-10 years, this has been the best in term of the content and amount of practical take-aways to potentially improve our business.”
Harvey Fremlin, MD, National Self Build & Renovation Centre
“I attended the conference this week for the first time and may I say it was amazing! It was so well organised and informative and I will definitely be encouraging others from our business to attend next year.”
Kimberley Pearson - Financial Controller, PA Jewellery
“I can honestly say that it was one of the best business events I have attended.”
Stephanie Whitaker, Founder of Ignis
“Brilliant learning sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, great networking opportunities, and an evening awards ceremony and party we won’t forget!”
Helen Moreton, Founder, Boombox Consulting
“My head is full of thoughts from everything I heard and saw across the event. Thoughts on what more we can be doing in our business, on the importance of the community and collaboration for EO businesses, on the scale of EO in the UK and the potential influence it may have on re-defining the role of 'business' in our changing world.”
Liam Toms, Comms & Engagement Manager, Grapevine
“It's obviously brilliant to have the space and time to meet and talk with your peers, but the conference more than delivers too on providing practical insight and actions that you can take away to help your EO business strive for 'Great EO', which helps deliver growth and engagement and purpose. All of that comes from the fantastic people who have lived it, who have researched it, who have tested it and now are helping others to deliver it.”
Sam Moles, Digital Marketing Manager, Stephens Scown
“It was inspiring to connect with other businesses that share this model and hear how it fosters innovation, collaboration, and shared success. The conference highlighted the incredible potential of employee ownership to empower individuals, drive sustainable growth, and create a sense of shared purpose. It reinforced my pride in being part of a business where every team member has skin in the game, and everyone has the ability to shape our future.”
Emma Barnett, Group Marketing Manager, Gripple
“My mind is buzzing with ideas but also a great deal of confidence and reassurance that we at Oliver & Co Solicitors Limited have understood the concept of an employee owned business and are running with it in the right direction. Interspersed with great networking opportunities, delicious food, brilliant music and some dancing, we did a lot of learning…”
Helena Cameron, Director & Industrial Disease Solicitor, Oliver & Co
“We had the privilege of hearing from visionary keynote speakers, attending hands-on workshops and collecting tools to drive the principles that make Employee Ownership so unique. The more I learn about the impact EO has on culture, wellbeing, and productivity, the more excited I am to experience this shared success with colleagues.”
Niamh Wilson, Partner, Ison Harrison Solicitors
“I think ‘inspiring’ is an overused adjective, particularly on here but that is how I’d describe the last 2 days at the annual conference. 800+ likeminded and genuinely incredibly friendly people to learn from.”
Suzy Cox, Client Services Director, Oban International
“What a truly memorable and uplifting way to end the 2024 eoa conference! The team from Páramo Directional Clothing blew delegates away with their inspiring story about how profit can truly benefit employees and bring significant improvements to their lives. I’ve not met anyone who wasn’t moved hearing Claudia’s and Sandra’s stories. They have demonstrated bravery and determination not given to many of us.”
Ian Hiscock, Founder, IHC Ltd
“Key takeaways: the incredible vision of many #employeeowned businesses who put people first. How to create an EOT culture? Culture doesn’t happen simply because you talk about change. It is how we live and what we talk about. But positive change does not have to take time, it takes courage! Something to think about for next year.”
Dr Ana McMillin, Director of Architecture, Housing, and New Neighbourhoods / EOT UK Management Trustee, Broadway Malyan
“What an inspiring two days at the eoa Annual Conference! From thought-provoking panels to engaging workshops, and a truly unforgettable awards ceremony, it was a jam-packed agenda celebrating the power of employee ownership. I feel immensely proud to be part of an employee-owned business and to see firsthand how this model is driving meaningful change.”
Helen Holdsworth, Head of Marketing, Loadhog
“It was a privilege to share insights from my research and experience working closely with EO businesses. Hearing from other panelists and the audience reinforced the importance of fostering strong engagement practices and prioritising culture, even as organisations expand and evolve.”
Khadijhah Bukhari, Engagement Lead, ABER Instruments
“…as ever, the generosity of all attendees in sharing their knowledge and experience throughout the conference – this transparency and honesty is one of the things that makes this sector so special”
Sarah Anderson, Business Development Manager, RM2
“The Awards event last night showcased how employee ownership not only drives business growth but also empowers employees, creates a sense of purpose, and strengthens communities. Hearing stories of innovation, collaboration, and impact reminded me why this model is so powerful.”
Ehis Ogosi, Senior Consultant, Accord Energy Solutions
“What a fantastic couple of days at the annual eoa Annual Conference. Some incredible examples of businesses building amazing cultures of ownership, trust and resilience… All in all a thoroughly inspiring couple of days immersed in what is a rapidly expanding sector! Thanks to the eoa for organising yet another incredible event!”
Suzy Hill, Employee Benefit Truste Operations Lead, LUSH
“This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders and newcomers in the employee ownership space, share insights, and explore new ideas. If you’re attending, let’s catch up!”
Sean Hackemann, Director, Specialist Accounting Solutions
“It's really exciting to see more than 800 people at this conference committed to making employee ownership work, ensuring sustainability, value, innovation and partnership.”
Nigel Thornton, Founder & Director, Agulhas Applied Knowledge
“What an amazing experience filled with powerful stories, insightful seminars, fireside chats, and countless meaningful/raw conversations with like-minded individuals.”
Grave Jeyes, Business Manager, Rubicon People Partnership
“From engaging keynote speakers to insightful breakout sessions, the event provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development, networking, and celebrating the eoa community.”
Jordanna Renyolds, People Director, Myerson
“The two days were nothing short of inspiring, filled with insightful discussions, thought-provoking ideas, and a genuine celebration of the employee ownership model.”
Kirsty Turner, Head of Partnerships and Business Development, Seetec Training
"I've attended several eoa conferences over the past 14 years and this was the biggest and best yet. Fantastic to see the growth in businesses becoming EO, especially over the last two years."
Mark Lowen, Accord Energy Solutions
"This was so much bigger than I expected. Until I joined Accord, I hadn't appreciated that companies could be run as employee owned and it's been really interesting to see the number of businesses here."
Carol Smith, Accord Energy Solutions