Judges insight Professor Andrew Robinson – UK Employee Ownership Awards 2019

Professor Andrew Robinson, of Leeds Business School and White Rose Centre for Employee Ownership, said:

Over the last 30 years I have been carrying out research into employee ownership and more recently charting the growth and characteristics of the employee ownership  sector.

This year I am delighted to continue the involvement of the White Rose Centre for Employee Ownership in the Awards, taking on the baton from my research partner Professor Andrew Pendleton.

Awareness of employee ownership seems to be at an all-time high with very positive mainstream coverage in the media and key business organisations seeking information on the sector. It has left many of us asking: is this the tipping point for the sector?

So applying for a UK EO Award is a real chance to differentiate your business right now as one of 350 businesses in the UK that is employee owned. As an early adopter, at a time when the sector is really starting to take off, demonstrating your people powered business excellence will truly help to set your business apart.

Having followed the stories of employee owned businesses throughout my professional career, I can’t wait to hear these stories straight from the businesses. This is something I am really looking forward to.

In particular I am looking forward to hearing insights into how EO businesses are driving excellence through their governance and engagement as well as reading the nominations about the individuals who champion employee ownership both inside and outside of the business and the impact this has.

By telling these stories you are not just acknowledging the success of the combined efforts of your employee owners, but also creating and sharing best practice that can support and inspire future employee owned businesses.

Good luck to all those who apply!

Professor Andrew Robinson