Answer Digital, a Leeds-based digital consultancy that works closely with local and national NHS teams, has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Employee Owned (EO) Business of the Year’ in the UK Employee Ownership Awards.
The awards celebrate the achievements of businesses that truly deliver people power.
They recognise businesses and individuals who drive trademark employee ownership practices such as enhanced employee wellbeing, exceptional business performance, and people-powered growth.
The ‘Employee Owned Business of the Year’ award is for well-established employee owned businesses, that can evidence how their EO approach, their roles, and actions, are driving impact, innovation, performance and sustainability for all stakeholders.
Richard Pugmire, CEO at Answer Digital, said: “Research shows that employee owned businesses are more efficient and resilient, which naturally makes them better partners to their customers.
“Typically, people who are part of employee owned businesses are happier, more productive, and better paid – which I’m proud to say is the case at Answer.
“Employee ownership is absolutely the right model for us.
“It offers every one of our people a meaningful stake and say in what we do and how we do it.
“Having a positive impact on people is our focus – ours, our customers’ and our wider community; and as an employee owned company our customers, not shareholders are our priority.
“We’re proud that our commitment to employee ownership has been recognised by being shortlisted in the prestigious EOA awards, and regardless of the outcome, we are looking forward to celebrating with many other exceptional businesses at the ceremony next month.”
Answer Digital has been employee owned since 2020 and is recognised for its focus on culture and dedication to its people and customers, not external shareholders.
As a key partner to the NHS helping deliver over 300 local and national digital transformation projects, Answer Digital is committed to maximising efficiency and value for money for its customers and taxpayers.
The digital consultancy also stands out for its investment in people.
Through its Answer Academy, it coaches and mentors the digital experts of the future in all aspects of technology development. Over 100 people have graduated through the Answer Academy, and over 60 of the ‘academites’ still work with the company, many in senior positions.
James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association, said: “The calibre of applications, show the remarkable accomplishments of employee owned businesses at various stages of EO from regions and industries across the UK.
“These proudly employee-owned businesses are leading the way in developing Great EO practices, delivering increased employee wellbeing and business performance, and contributing to People Powered Growth in the UK.”
The UK Employee Ownership Awards are sponsored by Howden, an expert insurance group and Employee Ownership Association Trustee member.
Martin Camp, Head of Business Development and Growth at Howden, said: “We’re delighted to support the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2024, celebrating the Great EO results delivered by employee owners and businesses that fully leverage their EO approach, roles, and actions.
“These submissions bring to life how individuals and businesses are delivering and evolving employee ownership to support better livelihood outcomes for employees, as well as more innovation and growth.”
Winners will be revealed at a gala dinner celebration on Tuesday November 26 at the Telford International Centre as part of the EOA Annual Conference.
