After a successful EO Day 2025, with a theme dedicated to Living our Values, we are delighted to share how important employee-ownership is to us as a business.
At Pennine, we believe that success is best when it’s shared. That’s why we’re proud to participate in a model that places people at the heart of everything we do – Employee Ownership.
But what does it really mean to be employee-owned, and why does it matter?
Employee ownership is a business model where employees hold a stake in the company, and here at Pennine we implement a structure called an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This model aligns the long-term interests of employees and the company, creating a culture where everyone is personally invested in the success of the business.
It’s not just about shares, it’s about shared purpose, shared reward, and shared responsibility.
At Pennine, employee ownership isn’t just a title, it’s a commitment. After 12 months of service, every employee is allocated one share in the business. This makes them eligible to receive up to £3,600 per year in tax-free bonuses, directly linking their efforts to the company’s performance and profitability.
It’s a nice incentive, but more than that, it’s a recognition that every individual contributes to our collective success.
EO businesses are shown to be 8–12% more productive, while also investing more in their people, innovation, and communities.
This happens for several key reasons:
When employees have a real stake in the business, they’re more engaged and motivated. They care not just about doing their job, but about the direction and growth of the company as a whole.
Employee ownership fosters a culture of openness and teamwork. With aligned interests, there’s more collaboration across teams, departments, and roles. Everyone is working towards the same vital goals.
With a long-term mindset and a personal connection to the outcomes, employee-owned businesses often invest more in innovation and continuous improvement, helping to future-proof their success.
Employee-owned companies tend to build stronger ties with their communities, contribute more sustainably, and focus on long-term social value, not just short-term profits.
At Pennine, employee ownership is more than a structure, it’s a philosophy. It empowers our team, drives performance, and shapes a culture where everyone’s voice matters.
We’re proud to be part of a growing movement of businesses putting people first, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together.
