What does it mean in practice for a company to become an employee owned business? We hear from the founder of Inconnection, a Manchester headquartered live events, incentive & hospitality agency which has taken the step for the benefit of all its staff. And it makes business sense too…
Image: senior leadership team, from left to right: Sarah Talbot, Jen Lawson, Alice McCready and Kate Turrell.
The agency joins the rapidly growing number employee-owned businesses (EOBs) in the UK. There are currently over 1,650 EOBs, the past year saw a 30% increase and according to the Employee Ownership Association the number has been doubling roughly every two to three years over the last decade. This is a reflection of a business model that is particularly prevalent in the professional services, construction and manufacturing sectors.
Whilst not all businesses in the EO sector are wholly owned by their employees, Inconnection founder, Nick Hamilton, took the decision to transfer 100% of Inconnection UK Limited to an Employee Ownership Trust. In doing so, he aims to build on almost three decades of success for the benefit of all employees.
The decision to become employee owned followed a detailed strategic review of the agency which deals with B2B clients across the UK, including leading multi-national companies. At the heart of the review was the best way to attract and retain talented people to meet the needs of Inconnectionโs clients. It also allows the company to adopt a business model most suited to building a leadership team to succeed Nick in the future.
Over the past 12 months, Inconnection has strengthened its leadership team through a series of strategic appointments. Joining Sarah Talbot and Jen Lawson on the management team are Alice McCready, Director of Operations and former Head of Stadium Events at Emirates Old Trafford, and Kate Turrell, Director of Strategy and Partnerships. Between the new recruits comes 25 years of experience in the travel and events industry across both corporate and professional sports sectors.
Becoming employee owned: are there operational changes?
In parallel with these appointments, the creation of the Inconnection Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has enabled the establishment of a Board representing a cross-section of the agency. This includes team members from commercial, operations, client accounts, and partnerships and strategy reflecting a collaborative and inclusive approach to governance and future growth.
From a practical perspective, it is business as usual at Inconnection with suppliers and clients dealing with the same team, from the same offices and the same company. Continuity is also assured by the fact that Nick remains as Chief Executive and will stay with the agency he founded, alongside a team of talented colleagues.
What has the impact been of moving to an employee owned model?
Commenting on Inconnection becoming an employee owned business, Nick said:
โInconnection has been my life for almost three decades. I am immensely proud of the agency and completely committed to its continued success. After careful consideration, Employee Ownership is perfect for the business as it will reward the success and contribution of our people while ensuring we can attract the talent our clients deserve and depend on.โ
Commenting on the formation of the Inconnection Board, Kate Turrell, Partnerships & Strategy Director said: โIt is exciting to have joined the agency at the start of its employee ownership journey. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are vital to the continued success of any business and, I believe our business model will benefit our people, clients and partnerships. The EOT was an important aspect of my decision to join and grow the agency.โ
Commenting on the impact of the EOT, Sarah Talbot, Commercial Director, who has been with the company for 12 years said: “We grow by putting people and culture at the centre of our journey. Since announcing our shift to employee ownership, we’ve already seen a tangible boost in employee engagement. This model allows us to offer even more to both current team members and future talent. Employee ownership aligns perfectly with our belief in the power of people and the value of genuine, personal interaction. We’re excited for what lies ahead and confident that this new chapter will bring even greater opportunities, collaboration, and shared success.”
About Inconnection and employee ownership
Inconnection UK Limited was formed in 1998 by Nick Hamilton following a career in golf. From small beginnings organising sports-based hospitality events for B2B clients, Inconnection has grown to a full-service agency headquartered in Manchester. Today the agency provides a combination of live event, corporate hospitality, corporate gifting, merchandise, and incentive services to more than 100 B2B clients. It also hosts the London Comedy Lunch annually, an event attended by up to 1,000 people featuring well-known comedians.
In 2024 new legislation meant changes to the Employee Ownership Trusts.
