Ison Harrison named as runner-up at national Employee Ownership Awards 2024

Ison Harrison has been shortlisted in a national award scheme that celebrates employee ownership.

Ison Harrison was nominated alongside five other businesses in the Employee-Owned Business of the Year category at the UK Employee Ownership Awards. The firm was the only law firm to be nominated.

The UK Employee Ownership Awards were held at the Telford International Centre on the 26^th November and was the highlight of the EOA (Employee Ownership Association) Annual Conference.

The awards showcase leading examples of outstanding proudly employee-owned businesses in a sector that’s proven to deliver better employee well-being and livelihood outcomes, increased business growth and productivity and a range of positive impacts for stakeholders and communities.

The Employee-Owned Business of the Year title was awarded to Shaw Healthcare. Alongside Ison Harrison, other business nominees included Gripple, Answer Digital, Quintessa and Riverford Organics.

Transitioning to Employee Ownership to facilitate growth

In 2022, Ison Harrison became the UK’s first law firm to transition to become a 100% employee-owned business, a pioneering move that underscored the firm’s progressive values and commitment to its employees. The new structure has fuelled further dynamic growth, with substantial client expansion and the opening of four new offices since becoming employee-owned, including two in the first half of this year.

In the past five years, the firm has doubled its turnover to £24 million, and this is expected to grow again in 2024, following the recent acquisition of Cohen Cramer Solicitors.

Earlier this year, the firm launched a dedicated employee ownership advisory service. Based on its own experience of successfully navigating the process of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), the firm is using its expertise to help other business owners transition from traditional business ownership to the EOT model.

Jonathan Wearing, managing director at Ison Harrison, commented:

“To be recognised as a leading employee owned business at a national level is a magnificent achievement and shows just how far the firm has come since switching to an employee ownership model. This prestigious national award nomination coincides with what is shaping up to be the most successful year in the history of our firm and is a deserved reflection of the outstanding collective performance and focus of the entire team.

“The move to employee ownership has been hugely positive and advantageous for us. Everyone at the firm is proud to be working collectively as an EOT, and it has really helped us distinguish ourselves from other firms in the legal sector. In embracing employee ownership, we have fostered a culture of collaboration, incentivised performance, and ensured that our clients continue to receive exceptional service. And now as part of our client service offering, our experience and knowledge is being passed on to business owners so that they and their workforce can enjoy the many benefits of employee ownership.”

Could an employee ownership trust be right for you?

Business owners interested in finding out more about EOTs should visit: https://www.employeeownershipadvisor.co.uk or call the Employee Ownership Advisor team on 0800 232 1620.