James took on the role relatively recently (on Valentine’s Day 2022) and was taking a few days out of his schedule to visit a number of EOA members across the UK.
We took the opportunity to give James a tour of our unique visitor centre and then spoke to him about our EO journey to date, and how becoming employee-owned has transformed – and continues to shape - everything we do.
Employee-ownership is one of the fastest growing business models in the UK, and the EOA represent over 650-member organisations. In recent years many familiar brands have turned to the EO model, including Lush Cosmetics, Richer Sounds and Riverford Organic Foods – and we even have a few EO companies exhibiting in the NSBRC, including The Rooflight Company and Carpenter Oak.
There is a greater awareness of the benefits that engaged, interested and invested staff bring to a business, and with a generation of baby-boomers looking at succession options for viable businesses, that they may have built up over many years, there is expected to be a ‘silver tsunami’ of retiring entrepreneurs passing their businesses to their employees.
For Team NSBRC it means working as openly and transparently as possible, with every one of our team focused on providing a fantastic experience for our visitors, exhibitors and conferencing guests. We have what’s known as a ‘hybrid’ ownership model, with a combination of direct shareholders (all employees), and our largest shareholder, our Employee Ownership Trust. This model allows us to be agile, and provide flexible benefits to our employees, whilst ensuring the long-term success of the business is always in our minds – with ‘discretionary effort’ the norm.
EOA Chief Executive, James de le Vingne, said:
“It was an absolute treat to spend time with the fabulous team at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre, and get the chance to look around their incredible premises, which really has that ‘wow factor’.
“It is remarkable to see what they’ve built at NSBRC. What stood out for me was how much they have achieved in a relatively short space of time, that they’re a growing business that is planning for the future with employee ownership front and centre in all that.”
We were delighted to welcome James, and we wish him and all the team at the EOA continued success in helping people discover the benefits and joy of employee-ownership.
We look forward to celebrating EO Day in June 2023 when thousands of employee owners, EO businesses and supporters of employee ownership from across the UK come together to raise awareness of the benefits and impact of employee ownership.
In 2024 we will celebrate ten years of employee-ownership. Please keep an eye out on our website for details of special events around this milestone.
For more information on employee ownership please feel free to contact our Managing Director, Harvey or visit the EOA’s website.
