This month, our team had the privilege of attending the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) Annual Conference. An inspiring two-day event dedicated to bringing together the thriving community of employee-owned businesses (EOBs) from across the UK. For the team here at Answer, the conference was an opportunity for us to celebrate being shortlisted for EO Company of the Year, learn from industry leaders, and reflect on what we want to achieve over the next few years as a people-powered business.

What Is the EOA Conference?

The EOA Conference is the largest gathering of employee-owned businesses in the UK, bringing together leaders, employees, and advocates to share best practices and discuss our common challenges. Through workshops, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities, the running thread was a focus on the power of shared ownership and how it can drive innovation, collaboration, and success.

"Being shortlisted for the prestigious EO Company of the Year award at this event was a huge milestone. It reflects the strides we’ve made in fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and innovation since becoming employee-owned in 2020". - Rich Pugmire, CEO

What Employee Ownership means to Answer Digital

At Answer Digital, EO isn’t just an ownership structure; it’s a foundation of our culture. As an employee-owned business, every member of our team has a stake in our success. This means we take collective responsibility for driving innovation, delivering value to our clients, and creating a supportive, inclusive workplace where everyone thrives.

EO empowers our people to think and act like owners. It fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mutual respect. For us, it’s about more than sharing rewards; it’s about taking on the responsibility of shaping the future of our business together.

What we learned at the EOA conference

The EOA Conference was packed with insights and actionable ideas, and we left feeling energised and inspired. Here are some of the key takeaways that stood out to our team:

1. Employee Councils: A vital voice

We learned about the importance of employee councils in giving employees a voice in shaping business strategy. These councils act as a two-way communication channel, fostering transparency and collaboration between leadership teams and employees. When done right, they can bridge gaps and align everyone towards shared goals.

2. The EO mindset: balancing reward and responsibility

The launch of the “EO mindset” tool, researched and designed by the EOA, was a highlight of the conference. It emphasised the importance of balancing the rewards of ownership with the responsibilities it entails. A thriving EO culture requires employees to think like owners, understanding the role they play in driving business success.

3. Building a strong culture

Culture is the sum of every interaction within a business. We learned that:

• True engagement comes from understanding the "why" behind our work, not just the "what."
• Shifting mindsets from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?” fosters collaboration and commitment.
• Inspirational leadership and intentional action are crucial for cultural transformation.

4. Amplifying employee voice

Employee voice is a key driver of performance, wellbeing, and innovation. Through the 3 I’s Framework—Inform, Insight, Influence, we learned that:

• Transparency builds trust, sharing challenges and successes openly.
• Actionable insights from employees can solve problems leaders may not see.
• Influence allows employees to shape key decisions, creating a deeper sense of ownership.

5. Recognising the impact of customer experience

The importance of Customer Experience (CX) as a differentiator was emphasised. We explored how:

• Small changes, such as personalised communication, can improve customer satisfaction.
• CX-focused businesses see up to 40% higher profits.
• Showcasing our EO status within our CX demonstrates our commitment to excellence.

6. Reward and responsibility

A standout takeaway was the concept of the Two Rs—Reward and Responsibility. While it’s easy to focus on the benefits of EO, we were reminded that true ownership requires embracing the responsibilities that come with it. Educating our team on this balance is vital for cultivating a thriving EO culture.

7. Courageous leadership and sustainable change

Change requires bold, intentional leadership. We learned that:

• Sustainable cultural shifts come from inspiring beliefs, not enforcing behaviours.
• Commitment-driven cultures create self-regulating teams that align naturally with business goals.
• Leadership must focus on purpose-driven engagement to drive long-term transformation.

Looking ahead

Attending the EOA Conference has given us a renewed sense of purpose and practical tools to strengthen our business. From exploring employee councils to adopting the EO mindset, we’re excited to implement these ideas and continue growing as a collaborative, innovative, and responsible organisation.

"Being shortlisted for EO Company of the Year was a huge honour and a reflection of the hard work our team has put into making Answer Digital a truly exceptional place to work. But more than that, it reaffirmed our belief in the power of employee ownership to drive meaningful change, not just for our business, but for our people, our clients, and our community". - Rich Pugmire, CEO