The Employee Ownership Association (EOA) has been championing the growth of employee-owned businesses (EOBs) since its inaugural annual conference in 1989. This year, I attended my first EOA conference —and I must admit, I had completely underestimated the scale of the event and the thriving community of EOBs across the UK. It was a fantastic event.

Here are some key highlights:

• The EOA now boasts over 2,000 members, with 864 delegates from 300+ businesses coming together for the two-day event.
• The EOB model is gaining international traction, spreading rapidly across Europe and North America.
• Research confirms the impact: EOBs tend to achieve higher growth and have lower rates of insolvency, demonstrating the resilience of this model.

The conference offered an inspiring blend of three keynote speeches and a choice of 30 breakout sessions, allowing attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and gather practical insights.

My Top Takeaways:

‍Momentum Behind the EOB Model:

• The mission statement “People Powered Growth” perfectly encapsulates why the employee ownership model is flourishing. It fosters engagement, accountability, and motivation, creating a dynamic environment for both individuals and teams to thrive.

Remarkable Success Stories:

• Across the UK, countless EOBs are thriving thanks to the dedication of founders, employees, trustees, and beneficiaries. These businesses prove that employee ownership is not just a structure but a powerful mechanism for rewarding hard work and driving shared success.

Unparalleled Customer Service:

• There is a tangible link between EOBs and exceptional customer service. Customers value dealing with “owners” because they bring a level of commitment and accountability unmatched by other models. At an EOB, the person you speak to is often a current or future owner, creating a unique and rewarding experience.

For us at Pratap Partnership, becoming an employee-owned business in November 2023 was a pivotal milestone. Over the past year, we’ve learnt so much and continue to evolve as a team. The conference reinforced our belief in the employee ownership model’s potential—not only for fostering growth but also for delivering real value to customers, employees, and stakeholders alike