Looking to the future: JGA's Autumn Conference 2023
Opportunity, growth and how to add value in a volatile landscape. Hot topics for every business which is why we used our Autumn Conference to focus on all three.
As usual, it was great to get (almost) all of our team together, this time at the John Lewis Partnership’s beautiful conference venue in Cookham, Berkshire.
The day gave our MD Jeremy Gadd the chance to run through our immediate operational priorities, business performance and preparations for November’s Employee Ownership Association Conference (already well under way).
However, his primary focus was on JGA’s future ambitions which include plans to evolve our transition, people and governance support while adding exciting new services to the mix.
Focusing on the future
MD Jeremy (left) with board and governance expert Adrian Wheale
As always, our discussions took account of the wider context in which our clients are operating – and the opportunities/challenges that presents.
Right now that includes not just HMRC’s review of EOTs and EBTs but the government’s White Paper Proposals on Audit and Governance, which (when implemented) are likely to have a significant impact on all businesses, including those that are employee-owned.
This should lead to an increase in demand for the experienced support with corporate governance and board development that our Associates already provide.
It’s tough out there, no two ways about it – but 2024, here we come…
Adding value in testing times
As Jeremy explains: ‘The opportunity for us to add value at a time when such a lot of change around corporate governance is coming is obvious.
‘The opportunity for [JGA] to add value at a time when such a lot of change around corporate governance is coming is obvious. It’s clear that testing times test business [and] we’re getting more enquiries from [EO companies] who want to ensure that their original model is right for the future’
Jeremy Gadd, JGA’s founder and MD
‘It’s clear that testing times test business.
‘If we link this to the growing number of EO businesses that have repaid their vendor loan, we’re getting more enquiries from those who want to ensure that their original model is right for the future – be it their organisational structure, employee voice, ability to leverage the real advantage of employee owner participation or, most importantly, that their approach to succession is robust, resilient and sustainable.’
Strengthening client relationships
With more businesses exploring EO and reaching out to organisations such as JGA for support, our conference gave Jeremy the chance to lay out the vision for how we will continue to meet that need.
‘It was also a good opportunity to look at how we’re strengthening our ongoing client relationships, building on the success of Trustee Connect [JGA’s confidential network for Employee Trustees] to develop our ‘JGA Connect’ offer.’ he reveals.
‘We’ll be sharing more on that very soon, including at the EOA Conference.’
He concludes: ‘With AI offering immense challenge and opportunities, it was fun to explore how we’ll continue to develop our approach, products and services while providing interesting and rewarding work for our team.’
Anticipating clients’ needs
So what did our Associates find most interesting about the day?
Comms Support Katy and Ops Manager/Associate Lisa
‘It was lovely to get together as a team,’ says Associate Corrine Thomas, whose responsibilities include leading JGA’s Coaching for Change service. ‘I enjoyed hearing what everyone is up to and seeing how the business is growing and adapting to work with the needs of a diverse range of clients.’
Operations Manager and Associate Lisa Fryer agrees: ‘It was great to spend time together, with the focus on what JGA will be prioritising as we enter our tenth year in 2024.’
‘For me, one of the best things about JGA is the personality each Associate brings to their work,’ says Comms Support Katy Perceval. ‘This means that whenever our team gets together – in person, with real cake and, this time, real Turkish Delight (thanks, Jeremy!) – it’s never dull.
‘What did I find most useful? Hearing how our offer is evolving to get ahead of what our future clients will want and need. The business world is in uncharted waters at the moment. There’s clearly a lot at stake for us all.’
Want to know how our transition, people and governance services can support your EO business? Get in touch.