We’re delighted to reveal the winners of the 2026 UK Employee Ownership Awards.
This includes the two EO Smile Awards, selected from all shortlisted businesses and individuals by the eoa Membership Council.
Baxendale Fellowship Award
Dennis Overton
EO Business of the Year
Answer Digital
EO Rising Star
Bartlett Ltd
EO Transition of the Year
Booth Welsh
Employee Owner of the Year
Patrycja Cisewska from Aquascot
EO Leader of the Year
Sarah Jane Owen and Marie Buss, Co-MDs of Outcomes Star
Trustee of the Year
Tessa May, Answer Digital
EO Smile Awards
Individual – Chris Jones, Go Ape
Business – East Coast Health Care
Celebrating the Winners
James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the eoa, said: “The UK EO Awards are a chance to celebrate the businesses and individuals who are truly Owning It and showing what great employee ownership looks like in practice.
“This year’s winners have brought EO to life through culture, community, voice, initiative, and engagement, helping to unlock the very best of people power across the sector.
“Congratulations to every winner and shortlisted business and individual, and thank you to everyone who helped make the inaugural eoaLive! such a memorable celebration.”
Martin Camp, Executive Director at Howden, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners for the impact they are making through employee ownership.
“The standard across the sector is exceptionally high, with so many inspiring EO stories extending well beyond the shortlist and making final judging decisions far from easy.
“It’s the people and the momentum behind employee ownership that continue to impress, with stories of leadership, innovation and shared purpose emerging from every corner of the sector.”
About the Awards
The UK Employee Ownership Awards celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals that are truly Owning It, delivering people power and bringing employee ownership to life through culture, community, voice, initiative, and engagement.
They recognise businesses and individuals who drive effective EO practices and empower employee owners to unlock Great EO impacts.
The UK Employee Ownership Awards and eoaLive! were headline sponsored by eoa Trustee member, Howden.