27th Oct 2025

Roadshow wrap-up: momentum building for employee ownership in Northern Ireland

Two weeks on, our EOI roadshow has sparked new conversations, new connections and real next steps for NI businesses exploring employee ownership. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Here’s what happened — and what comes next.

EOI roadshow speakers and team standing together at the Belfast venue
Great energy in the room — our speakers, partners and EOI team together in Belfast.

What we covered

  • How the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) works for succession in NI SMEs.
  • Steps from feasibility to completion — valuation, finance, governance and culture.
  • Local lessons from recent NI transitions and adviser insights.
  • Support on offer from EOI and partners to help you move forward.
Attendees networking with coffee during the roadshow break
Plenty of chat during the break — owners, advisers and managers swapping notes.

Highlights from the day

  • Full house: engaged questions on funding, tax, trustee duties and employee communications.
  • Practical focus: we kept it real — timelines, numbers and lessons learned.
  • Local relevance: examples from NI firms and sectors, not just GB case studies.
Audience seated in tiered theatre seating during a roadshow session
Focused sessions — and lots of hands up for Q&A.

Panel discussion & Q&A

Our panel dug into the essentials: choosing the EOT for the right reasons, setting realistic valuations, and building an ownership culture that lasts. The message was clear — plan early and communicate well.

Panel discussion on stage with Employee Ownership Ireland presentation on screen
Panel Q&A — straight answers on structure, finance and governance.
Panel speaker addressing the audience during Q&A
Real-world experience — what works in practice for NI businesses.

Voices from the stage

Speaker delivering a talk at the lectern during the roadshow
Clear guidance on the EOT journey — step by step.
Speaker presenting with handheld microphone during the fireside chat
Demystifying funding and valuation — practical routes for NI SMEs.
Panellist contributing to the discussion with audience Q&A
Culture matters — ownership is more than structure; it’s how the business runs.

Progress we’re making

  • More feasibility work: Firms are starting structured EOT assessments with adviser support.
  • Adviser capacity: A wider NI network across legal, tax, banking and trusteeship.
  • Rising awareness: Owners are asking, “Could this keep our business and jobs in NI?”
Thinking about your own next step?

If you’re planning succession in the next 3–5 years, now is the time to explore options. An initial conversation can clarify feasibility, timelines and roles.

Apply Now Upcoming sessions

Date posted

27th October 2025

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