eoa (Employee Ownership Association)

Who we are

Who we are - The eoa

We exist to propel employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a thriving people-powered economy. We are a responsible, inclusive, and growing membership organisation working to:

• Expand the EO sector: Increase awareness, accessibility, and advocacy to accelerate widespread adoption and mainstream EO.
• Set the standard for EO excellence: Equip businesses with the knowledge, tools, and insights to thrive through best practices, learning, and peer collaboration.
• Strengthen and connect the EO ecosystem: Build a robust, interconnected, and purpose-driven community by fostering collaboration among businesses, advisors, investors, and policymakers.
• Building our core business assets: We power our mission by investing in: brilliant people, effective governance, smart technology, and a sustainable, efficient operating model

Established in 1979, we’re a not for profit and politically independent organisation that works in close partnership and builds strategic relationships with our 800+ members to champion, promote, and provide insight into the business case for employee ownership.

Our members gain access to and benefit from exclusive learning, networking, and trading opportunities within a diverse network of companies of various sizes and sectors.

• We support our members to explore, transition to, and develop as employee owned businesses.
• We connect our members with learning opportunities and with each other to share best practice and support them to celebrate and champion their EO success stories.
• We represent the sector and advocate for policies and the right environment that support the growth and sustainability of employee owned businesses. By actively playing a key role in shaping and delivering the support and initiatives at the eoa, you'll help to further increase these figures.

Our culture and values

Who we are - our people & culture

Modest in size but with big relationships, we’re a team of 16 staff based near the iconic Humber Bridge. Our stakeholders include the Board, President, Trustee Members, Membership Council, Specialist Advisors, and all member businesses as well as various member groups, prospective new members and the wider business community in general. Our annual turnover is £1.7 million.

In pursuit of our purpose to unlock the potential of people, businesses, and the economy through employee ownership we are

Bold: We are growth minded and challenge conventional thinking to drive better business.

Inspiring: We nurture relationships and develop networks to achieve mutual goals.

Collaborative: We evoke passion for and influence interest in Great EO.

Caring: We make business personal and empower others to succeed.