The Employee Ownership Ireland (EOI) Roadshow series concluded this week, with events held across four key locations—Cookstown, Derry, Newry, and Belfast—attracting a diverse range of business owners, advisors, and industry leaders. The series, delivered in partnership with Chartered Accountants Ireland, provided attendees with insights into Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) as a sustainable and strategic business model for succession planning.
The final roadshow in Belfast, hosted at the MAC Theatre, drew significant interest from business leaders across Northern Ireland. The session featured a panel discussion with Joan McCoy from White Ink Architects, Anthony McVeigh from S&W Wholesale, and Karen Maguire, founder of Relinea, who shared their experiences of transitioning to an EOT. Karen Maguire spoke specifically at the Belfast event, offering first-hand insights into the benefits and challenges of the model.
Across all locations, business consultant Andrew Harrison delivered a keynote presentation that provided the technical background on employee ownership and its implications for businesses in Northern Ireland. His expertise played a crucial role in setting the stage for informed discussions and interactive Q&A sessions with attendees.
Interactive Panel Discussions and Expert Insights
The panel discussions were particularly dynamic, with business owners, accountants, and legal advisors actively engaging in discussions on governance, funding, and the long-term sustainability of EOTs. Paul Millar of White Rock Investments and Aidan O’Neill, founder of the DLD Fund and EOI board member, chaired the panels, ensuring the conversation remained insightful and relevant.
Zara Duffy, Head of Chartered Accountants Northern Ireland, expertly hosted the events, facilitating meaningful conversations and ensuring that key takeaways were delivered effectively to the audience.
Encouraging Employee Ownership Growth in Northern Ireland
The roadshows served as a platform to introduce the newly established Employee Ownership Ireland network, which aims to support the growth of up to 10,000 employee owners in the region by 2030. A key highlight was the announcement that the DLD Fund has committed to funding 20 feasibility studies for businesses exploring the transition to employee ownership. With over half of these opportunities already taken, business owners were encouraged to act swiftly to take advantage of this support.
Reflecting on the success of the series, Aidan O’Neill emphasised the importance of keeping businesses locally rooted:
“Northern Ireland is home to world-class businesses, many of them family-owned, with deep ties to their communities. Employee ownership offers a viable solution to succession planning challenges, ensuring these businesses continue to thrive while securing jobs and investment for future generations.”
Karen Maguire, chair of Employee Ownership Ireland and founder of Relinea, also shared her perspective on the impact of employee ownership:
“Transitioning to an EOT was one of the best decisions I made for my business. It has empowered our team, enhanced productivity, and ensured that the company remains committed to its original vision. The roadshows have been invaluable in spreading awareness of this model and providing businesses with the support they need to explore it further.”
The roadshow events have laid a strong foundation for Employee Ownership Ireland as a key driver in the region’s economic landscape.
For those interested in learning more about employee ownership or applying for feasibility study support, visit www.employeeownershipireland.com.
