JGA @ EOA Better Business Together 2023 – our key takeaways
New format, new faces and an exciting look at EO’s opportunities through 2023 and beyond – it could only be Better Business Together 2023, incorporating the Employee Ownership Association’s AGM.
As a proud EOA supporter member, JGA was there last week to listen, learn and contribute alongside a diverse range of EOA members and specialist providers who, like us, are committed to supporting the sector’s growth.
‘Better Business Together 2023 highlighted the EOA’s achievements in a very challenging year, building on from a solid base,’ says our MD Jeremy Gadd. ‘It was especially good to hear updates from CEO James de le Vigne and the team about the EOA’s exciting ambitions, and I’m looking forward to seeing how their new product developments take shape.’
Missed it? If you’re an EOA member you can watch what happened via EO Hub on the EOA website. But first, here are JGA’s own takeaways from Better Business Together 2023:
1. The EOA is the ‘go to’ membership body for the EO sector
Confident, bold and changing fast: EO and the EOA’s membership are growing as more founder/owners choose employee ownership for their succession planning. We were encouraged by the EOA’s confidence that there will be opportunities to support similar membership groups in the devolved government areas, as demonstrated by the work already under way in Scotland and Wales.
2. The EOA’s member services are creating an impact…
… and (get ready!) there are more in the pipeline this year. We were delighted at the positive mentions for the offer that’s already been successfully established, including our own Independent Trustee Resourcing service (EOTAS) plus the ‘How to be an Empowering EO Leader’ course which JGA co-delivers with Telos Partners as part of EO Learn. Watch this space.
3. The EOA is championing awareness and advocacy of EO
We know that (done well) EO can be a better way of doing business, but what about everyone else? The EOA shared its more proactive approach to getting the message out there, with a focus on advocating for EO in areas of policy and legislation. We liked the EOA’s sharper focus on using research, data and feedback to tell EO’s story more effectively as well as shape their future offer – epitomised by the Knowledge Programme, which you can sign up for (until 4 April 2023) by contacting the EOA here.
4. The EOA member networks are a great source of knowledge, insight and support
No Better Business Together would be complete without the chance to network, but the networking doesn’t have to stop there... ‘You are the heart of the EOA,’ James reminded members, pointing out that the EOA’s regular virtual and in-person networking events and EO Hub are a great way to build and strengthen connections across the wider sector right through the year.
5. EO Day 2023 is coming – how will you support it?
Diaries at the ready: the countdown’s on to 23 June when EO Day 2023 will be live and happening at an EO business near you! This year the day is being sponsored by one of JGA’s trusted partners, Postlethwaite Solicitors. The EOA used the AGM to urge members to get creative and ‘make some noise’ about this year’s theme #TheEOeffect. Count us in, EOA!
Want to know how JGA can support you and your employee-owned business through our transition, people and governance services? Get in touch with us now.