eoaLive! June 2026 Featuring the UK EO Awards 2026
Daytime Event Sold Out
eoaLive! daytime tickets are now sold out.
We’ve released a limited number of evening-only tickets for the UK Employee Ownership Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday 10 June.

Join 400 delegates from employee-owned businesses across the UK for an evening of celebration, connection and EO inspiration.

Why attend?

✅ Celebrate EO excellence and find out who will be crowned this year’s UK EO Awards winners
✅ Connect with fellow employee owners in an informal setting
✅ Enjoy a three-course dinner, welcome drinks, wine and entertainment
✅ Meet expert exhibitors and explore support for your EO journey
✅ Soak up the atmosphere ahead of EO Day on 19 June

Tickets are limited - once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Join the eoaLive! waitlist
The daytime eoaLive! event is sold out. Join the waitlist and we’ll contact you if tickets become available.
Join Waitlist
Exhibitor stands available
Exhibitor opportunities are still available. View the pack and book your stand now.
UK EO Awards - Evening Celebration 
Limited evening-only tickets are available. Book now and join the celebration while networking with 400 EO delegates.  
Book Evening Celebration Tickets
Hosted by Howden
Breakfast networking event
Continue the conversation after eoaLive! Join Howden for an informal breakfast networking session on Thursday 11 June from 10:30am in Birmingham city centre.
Register your interest by Friday 22 May
Register Interest
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10 June 2026The Library of Birmingham

eoaLive! Featuring the UK EO Awards 2026

Our new flagship event for the employee ownership community

Taking place at the Library of Birmingham on Wednesday 10 June, the inaugural eoaLive! event (featuring the UK Employee Ownership Awards) is all about ‘Owning It’.

Whether it’s leading by example, responding to challenges, trying something different, or sharing best practice, employee owned businesses demonstrate every day how they own it.

This exciting new event will offer you expert insight into the future of employee ownership, with speakers horizon scanning and sharing expertise on key issues that will influence EO businesses over the next year and beyond.

Sessions will range from economic and social impact trends to employment issues and how new technology will shape our working lives — all through an EO lens.

You’ll walk away with practical resources and insights to grow your own professional development and help your EO business to thrive.

As well as two inspiring keynote speakers, the event will also include eight breakout sessions, followed by a celebration of employee ownership in the evening at the UK EO Awards 2026 — hosted during a three-course gala dinner.

Why attend?

  • Be part of the conversation setting out the future of EO
  • Hear expert insight into key issues that will influence your EO business
  • Be inspired by stories of personal growth and overcoming challenges to empower your career progression
  • Take ideas and practical actions back to your business
  • Network with 300+ delegates from EOBs across the UK
  • Celebrate EO excellence at the UK Employee Ownership Awards

What's happening at eoaLive!

A full day of big ideas, practical learning, and an evening of celebration with the UK EO Awards.

Plenary

2 keynote sessions

Set the tone for the day with two high-impact plenaries designed to inspire and align the sector.

  • Inspirational opening speaker on personal growth
  • UK EO Growth Strategy
Workshops

8 breakout sessions

Choose focused sessions that match your priorities — leadership, governance, people, technology, and impact.

  • Responsible AI in Employee Owned Business
  • A Revolution in Employee Rights: What EOBs Need to Know
  • How Being an EO Champion Shaped my Career
  • The UK Economy and Employee Ownership
  • The Social Impact of Employee Ownership
  • A Good Job: How EO Helps Grow Personal and Community Wealth
  • An EO Survival Guide
  • How EO Works in Our Business
Evening

The UK EO Awards

End the day together with an evening celebration of the people and organisations demonstrating excellence in employee ownership.

Watch the 2025 Awards highlights

Everything you need to know

Event details

Library of Birmingham

Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2ND

  • 10 June 2026
  • 11:00 – 23:30
Pricing: £295 +VAT (includes the Awards Ceremony evening)
Exhibitors

Exhibitors

Meet expert advisors and service providers supporting businesses at every stage of their employee ownership journey. Explore the exhibitors attending eoaLive! or find out how to showcase your organisation.

Headline sponsor

Howden

Howden is one of the largest employee-owned business in the UK, and amongst the largest insurance groups in the world. As well as sponsoring this year’s eoaLive! and EO Awards, they’re also an eoa Trustee member. 

Ready to join us?

Tickets

Book now & choose your sessions

Secure your place at eoaLive! and plan your day in a way that fits your role. When you book, you’ll select your breakout sessions - and you can update your choices any time up to 10 May.

  • One ticket includes the full daytime conference and the evening UK EO Awards celebration.
  • Pick sessions that match your priorities - leadership, governance, people, technology and impact.
  • Need help before you book? Check the FAQs.
Tip: If you’re booking for a group, you can still lock in tickets now and finalise session choices later.
Community

Join the conversation on eoHub

Get more value from the day by connecting beforehand. We’ll be using the eoaLive! community on eoHub for updates, networking and discussion.

  • Before the event: introduce yourself, share what you’re hoping to learn, and see who else is attending.
  • During the event: keep up with announcements and join the discussion around key themes.
  • Afterwards: continue the conversation and swap takeaways with the EO community.
Not on eoHub yet? Use your eoa account email to sign in, then search for “eoaLive!” and join the community.

Full Programme

Description
Arrival registration with tea and coffee, plus the chance to network.
Time
11:00 - 11:30
10/06/2026 11:00
Welcome to eoaLive! from James de le Vingne - Chief Executive of the eoa, and headline sponsor Howden.
Time
11:30 - 11:45
Spots available
0
10/06/2026 11:30
We’re thrilled to announce Philippa Tuttiett as keynote speaker for the inaugural eoaLive! event. Known for her leadership both on and off the pitch, she’s represented Wales at the highest levels of the game and later became a trailblazer in major rugby media coverage.  Her career’s been shaped by moments of triumph alongside unexpected personal challenges that reshaped her path and perspective.  Beyond sport, Philippa’s carved out a unique entrepreneurial journey and broken new ground.  Today, she brings together these diverse experiences to inspire audiences with insights on leadership, resilience, and navigating the unexpected. You’ll come away inspired with plenty of exciting advice to apply to your own personal and professional life.
Time
11:45 - 12:15
Spots available
0
10/06/2026 11:45
The UK Employee Ownership Growth Strategy launched at the end of 2025, with a stretch goal of 10,000 EO businesses by 2030.   Hear about the eoa’s progress to date and which sector we’re focusing on first in a series of targeted campaigns to grow the EO sector.   We’ll also give an update on how we’ve been influencing policy through key relationships with Government teams.  Our panel of speakers includes our CEO James de le Vingne, industry partners, and EO businesses, giving you an update on the strategy and how you can become an employee ownership advocate.
Time
12:15 - 13:00
Spots available
0
10/06/2026 12:15
Lunch (provided) plus networking.
Time
13:00 - 14:00
10/06/2026 13:00
AI technologies represent a revolutionary, exciting, and a valuable time saver at work. It’s also scary, uncertain, a potential risk to our jobs, and a significant environmental burden. Whatever view you take on these new technological advances, AI isn’t going away and more and more of us are using it at work. But how should an employee owned business implement it responsibly and ethically to both benefit employees and help your EOB adapt for the future?
Category
Breakout Session 1
Time
14:10 - 15:00
Spots available
1
10/06/2026 14:10
The UK’s Employment Rights Bill 2025 is the biggest change to workers’ rights in a generation. Businesses have a responsibility to act to implement change, a fact complicated in employee owned business where everyone has a stake and a say. This timely session will touch on what aspects of the Bill have already come into effect and those incoming for 2027. But the focus will be on the here and now, exploring changes arriving in October 2026. By attending, you’ll discover all the relevant areas to EO businesses and discover what you need to do and how to approach it. Plus, there’s plenty of opportunities to ask all your burning questions to an expert in the field. Is your EOB ready for a revolution in employee rights?
Category
Breakout Session 1
Time
14:10 - 15:00
Spots available
74
10/06/2026 14:10
Join Fiona Bell and Thomas Pugh from eoa Supporter member RSM UK – a leading audit, tax, and consulting services provider – to get underneath the UK’s economic landscape, understand the tax and financial implications for your employee owned business, and help you plan for the future.   The session will explore the latest economic data and provide informed forecasting for the second half of the year and beyond. Benefit from expert horizon scanning to anticipate potential scenarios and understand emerging risks and opportunities.
Category
Breakout Session 1
Time
14:10 - 15:00
Spots available
0
10/06/2026 14:10
Employee owned businesses lead the way in terms of social impact and responsible business - with shared ownership and a commitment to people, community, and planet being part of their DNA.   From charity support to inclusion and diversity and environmental impact, three of our members share how their EOBs have a positive impact on society, and which ethical business accreditations they’ve prioritised and why.   They explain how they leveraged their purpose and the passion of their employees to address social issues and support employee voice, retention and wellbeing.
Category
Breakout Session 1
Time
14:10 - 15:00
Spots available
0
10/06/2026 14:10
Employee ownership is a fantastic tool for social mobility, giving employees a stake and a say in a business they might not usually be able to access.   Where else could an apprentice become CEO of a global business? Or a cleaner receive a bonus payment for a job well done? Or a founder hand over control of their business to the very people who made it a success? In this session, two eoa members share how they’ve helped their employees into good jobs with fair wages, supported their professional development, and provided jobs in disadvantaged and underserved communities.   From careers support and education programmes to inclusive recruitment, apprenticeships, training, mentoring, and more – you’ll come away inspired with ideas to influence the careers and lives of the employees within your EO business.
Category
Breakout Session 2
Time
15:30 - 16:20
Spots available
1
10/06/2026 15:30
Everyone has a stake and say in an employee owned business, able to make their voice heard and contribute to decision-making. But some employee owners go above and beyond, becoming EO champions that embody the values of employee ownership in everything they do, ensuring everyone’s voice matters, and ensuring EO can be felt in every aspect of the business.  Becoming an EO champion also represents enormous personal and professional growth, with many advancing from voice groups to senior leadership. Look no further than any winners of the ‘Employee Owner of the Year’ award at the UK EO Awards for shining examples.  Hear from a previous award winner to discover how being an EO champion shaped their career, leading to positive and profound impacts. You’ll be able to take plenty of advice and top tips back to your own business.
Category
Breakout Session 2
Time
15:30 - 16:20
Spots available
10
10/06/2026 15:30
Employee ownership doesn’t always go to plan – especially on the first attempt.   Many businesses have evolved their EO model, responding to challenges, market conditions, and more, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.   This session will explore those challenges and how they’ve been overcome, leading to better, stronger EO businesses.
Category
Breakout Session 2
Time
15:30 - 16:20
Spots available
58
10/06/2026 15:30
There’s no single blueprint for employee ownership. With different models, approaches, and governance options, it’s important that businesses understand all the options.   This session will explore the mechanics of EO in a variety of different businesses, demonstrating the flexibility of EO.   By hearing how employee ownership works in different businesses, you’ll be able to take best practice and key insight and apply it to your own EO business.
Category
Breakout Session 2
Time
15:30 - 16:20
Spots available
1
10/06/2026 15:30
Join us before the Awards for a drinks reception, as we get ready for the evening celebration. Dress code: optional black tie.
Time
19:00 - 19:30
10/06/2026 19:00
Hosted by the eoa, and sponsored by Trustee member Howden , the Awards showcase stories of a Proudly Employee Owned sector that’s proven to deliver. Dinner is included with awards announced between courses.
Time
19:30 - 21:30
10/06/2026 19:30
Party for the rest of the evening with a live band and DJ entertainment.
Time
21:30 - 23:30
10/06/2026 21:30

Who You'll Hear From

SpeakerOrganisationImageType Display ValueSession
Emily AlstonBaxendale Employee Ownership LimitedPresenterBreakout Session 2c: EO Survival GuideLIVE062026EOAL26BR2C
Fiona BellRSMPanelistBreakout Session 1c: The UK Economy and Employee OwnershipLIVE062026EOAL26BR1C
Patrick BrennanCleantec Services LtdPanelistBreakout Session 2a: A Good Job - How EO helps Grow Personal and Community WealthLIVE062026EOAL26BR2A
Rhiannon CarssCurtins Group LtdPanelistBreakout Session 1d: The Social Impact of Employee OwnershipLIVE062026EOAL26BR1D
James De Le VingneEOAKeynotePlenary 2: UK EO Growth StrategyLIVE062026EOAL26PL2
Jamie FergusonA G Parfett & Sons LtdPresenterBreakout Session 2d: How EO Works in Our BusinessLIVE062026EOAL26BR2D
Mr. Stephen HadlowBrabners LLPPresenterBreakout Session 2c: EO Survival GuideLIVE062026EOAL26BR2C
Michael HodgsonLoadhog LimitedPanelistBreakout Session 2a: A Good Job - How EO helps Grow Personal and Community WealthLIVE062026EOAL26BR2A
Alastair HoeyNetwork ROI LtdPresenterBreakout Session 1a: Responsible AI in Employee Owned BusinessLIVE062026EOAL26BR1A
Hayley LangstonHowden Group HoldingsPanelistBreakout Session 1d: The Social Impact of Employee OwnershipLIVE062026EOAL26BR1D
Stephanie PoteMHAPresenterBreakout Session 1b: A Revolution in Employment Rights for EO BusinessesLIVE062026EOAL26BR1B
Jo SutherlandMagenta AssociatesPresenterBreakout Session 1a: Responsible AI in Employee Owned BusinessLIVE062026EOAL26BR1A
Philippa Tuttiett KeynoteOpening Plenary: Owning It - Leading with Resilience, Purpose, and ConfidenceLIVE062026EOAL26PL1
Tom Vincent20/20 Business Insight (Trading As 20/20 Project Management)PanelistBreakout Session 1d: The Social Impact of Employee OwnershipLIVE062026EOAL26BR1D
Jonathan WearingIson Harrison SolicitorsPanelistBreakout Session 1d: The Social Impact of Employee OwnershipLIVE062026EOAL26BR1D
Josie WestonEnhanced Computer Solutions LtdPresenterBreakout Session 2b: How Being an EO Champion Shaped my CareerLIVE062026EOAL26BR2B