The eoa is proud to support Kellogg College and Nigel Mason Bequest trustees, as they today (September 19) launch a prestigious new accolade for employee ownership research.
The Nigel Mason Award, which was launched in Cardiff at an event organised by the Welsh Government and Cwmpas to celebrate the growth of employee ownership in Wales, has been established from bequest that Nigel left in his will to “promote quality research and analysis into the employee ownership sector”.
Nigel who passed in 2021, was a passionate multi-talented advocate and innovator of mutual and co-owned business structures.
The Award, which will be presented annually to an individual, for the most significant contribution to employee ownership, is administered by an Award Committee comprising members of the Centre for Mutual and Co-owned business at Kellogg College, the Nigel Mason Bequest trustees, representatives of Nigel’s family, the eoa, and RM2.
The award, which is the UK’s only dedicated prize for employee ownership research, offers a £2,000 prize, publicity for their research, and support to develop their research. The winner will be announced at a ceremony held at Kellogg College in Summer 2025. The judging panel comprises Dr Aneesh Banerjee, Professor Joseph R Blasi, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, Rose Marley, Professor Jonathan Michie OBE and Graeme Nuttall OBE.
Nigel, who was a policy adviser at the eoa from 2009 to 2011, continued that role unofficially when he became the owner of RM2 in 2015, with the business becoming an eoa specialist advisor member, drawing on the experience of supporting thousands of businesses to adopt shares schemes. Nigel, supported by colleagues at RM2, delivered insight and rigorous, quality research including the UK Employee Ownership Index, the UK EO Top 50 and the annual EOT Survey.
James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the UK's Employee Ownership Association (EOA) and member of the Award Committee said: “New evidence that builds on the great baseline we have achieved over the past few years is essential to deliver on the EOA's purpose to unlock the potential of the economy and society through employee ownership.
“A purpose and goal that Nigel Mason not only shared, but significantly advanced through his bold contributions to developing ownership models and resulting insights - a legacy we anticipate being progressed through the entries and winners of the Nigel Mason Award.”
Professor Jonathan Michie, President of Kellogg College and Director of the University of Oxford’s Centre for Mutual and Co-owned Business, highlighted the significance of the award, saying “Nigel Mason was a visionary who deeply believed in the power of mutual and co-owned business models to foster economic democracy and resilience. This award is a fitting tribute to his legacy, celebrating those who continue to push the boundaries of what these business models can achieve.”
Judging Panel member, Beyster Distinguished Professor Joseph Blasi, who is Director of Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, Rutgers University, and a Visiting Fellow at Kellogg College, said: “All too often only established conventions are recognised. The Nigel Mason Award is meant to feature and lift the work and the dedication of brilliant scholars who study business forms that address wealth inequality and other important policy outcomes through employee ownership"
The submission deadline for the award is 31 May 2025.