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UK EO Awards 2026 - 'EO Business Leader of the Year' Nomination Form

The 'EO Business Leader of the Year' award celebrates an exceptional senior leader within an employee owned business who’s demonstrated outstanding commitment to – and leadership of – employee ownership.

Open to founders still working within the business, leaders who helped drive the transition or development of EO forward in the business, or leaders who’ve taken on senior responsibility post-transition, this award recognises individuals who embody EO principles through their empowering leadership approach, who models an EO mindset, and ensures decisions are made for the long-term stewardship of the business.

A worthy winner will be able to demonstrate how their leadership has strengthened EO governance, culture, and performance, empowering employee owners, enabling sustainable success, and ensuring EO is lived throughout the business.
1.Name of nominated business leader(Required.)
2.Name of the employee owned business(Required.)
3.Your name as nominee(Required.)
4.Your job title(Required.)
5.Your email address(Required.)
6.About the nominated leader – including their role, responsibilities, length of time in the business, and leadership remit (max. 250 words)(Required.)
7.When and why the business became employee owned, and the nominee’s role in that journey (if applicable) (max. 250 words)(Required.)
8.Describe how the nominee has strengthened EO - through governance, leadership capability, or succession planning to support the long-term success of the business – and how they engage, inform, and empower employee owners to contribute.

Please include examples of how they embody the key behavioural principles of embracing shared responsibility, business literacy, collaboration, continuous learning, and understanding and championing EO (max. 700 words)(Required.)
9.What positive outcomes have been achieved as a result of the nominee’s leadership? This may include business performance, innovation, culture, employee engagement, reputation, or sustainability (max. 400 words)(Required.)
10.I will share any supporting documentation, quotes, or evidence with marketing@employeeownership.co.uk.

Please include your name, award category, and any file details within the body of your email.
Ready to tell us your story? Once you're happy with your submission, please press the 'done' button below to submit.

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The data you provide in this nomination form will be used to shortlist finalists for the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2026.

It will be shared with the judging panel and eoa staff to select a shortlist and winner and may also be shared with event sponsor, Howden.

We will store your nomination in line with the eoa’s privacy policy. By submitting this nomination form you agree to your data being used in this way.