In this episode of The Alternative Exit, Andy sits down with James De le Vingne, CEO of the Employee Ownership Association in the UK, to discuss the rise of employee ownership as a viable business model for succession. James shares how the introduction of the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has transformed the landscape for SMEs, allowing businesses to become financially free while benefiting employees and local communities.

With examples of thriving employee-owned companies and discussions on the challenges and flexibility of the model, this conversation is a deep dive into the future of work and ownership. Tune in to learn why employee ownership might just be the future of business success.

Key Takeaways:

• The flexibility of employee ownership models which allows businesses to customize them to fit their unique needs.
• How employee ownership shifts employee mindsets and improves workplace culture.
• Exploring how the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can help businesses achieve financial freedom while benefiting employees.
• The role of supportive legislation and professional services in facilitating the adoption of employee ownership models.
• Real-life examples of businesses thriving after transitioning to employee ownership and clearing their founder’s debt.

About James De le Vingne:

James is Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association, the UK’s leading voice on employee ownership, representing a sector that contributes between £30 to 40 bn a year to UK GDP as well as a membership organisation for UK businesses of private or public sector origin, that are wholly or partially owned by their employees.

Previously James was Head of Development at Co-operatives UK and has a background in international development and local economic development. James is a Board member of Scotland for EO, an Executive Fellow of the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing at Rutgers University and an RSA Fellow.

Connect with James De le Vingne:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-delevingne/
• Website - https://employeeownership.co.uk/

Connect with Andy Farquharson:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyfarq
• Website - https://abettermonday.me/
• Email - andy@abettermonday.me