Elaine Graham is a director and head of employer solutions at Zedra.
It has many useful purposes but to highlight a few, I would include the alignment of the goals of a company and its employee base. Employees feel that by owning a part of the company they are motivated to add value to it through their endeavours. Sharing in the financial success of a company compounds this effect.
Making the set up and implementation of share plans more accessible for all companies. More publicity for those companies who have employee ownership success stories not just within the share plan community but in wider press and news outlets including case studies as to how employee ownership contributes to the long-term success of a company.An ability for employees to obtain non-recourse more available finance to invest in the companies they work for if free shares or related buy in too expensive.
With some case studies of real life success stories!
There will be a stronger push to create longer term ownership in companies to create a more sustainable model for British business less focused on flipping value on multiple sale events.
The changes around disguised remuneration that meant a rocky road for a period of time for any share plan with a tax advantage and some difficult exemptions to navigate.
An ability to implement plans and related structures without uncertainty on approval or acceptance from HMRC etc. Cost is often a consideration for companies but education is key to demonstrate the value introducing share ownership will bring.
The ethos of owning a part of a company is a British value and promoting ways to create a more sustainable longer term business model. There is a constant challenge for British businesses to compete with foreign markets in terms of product and investment and investing in companies at grassroots in the UK is key to sustaining and creating British success.
Being a voice for employee ownership and influencing, lobbying government on its key issues / benefits. Bringing together varying views from the share plan industry to discuss these issues and the various challenges.
Not so much of a change to the Esop Centre but how do we get more recognition and support for the work it carries out…
Spending quality time with my two young children, husband and friends on my favourite beach in Guernsey (L’Eree on the west coast by the way!) on a sunny summer’s day at high tide watching the sunset with a glass!
Determination!
Apart from my children (of course!), building and working with a fantastic employer solutions team at Zedra, completing various triathlons and endurance events and winning Citywealth Magic Circle Awards Women of the Year 2017.
Amelia Earhart – a pioneer for women to this day where no achievement should be considered off limits.
Malala Yousafazi – astonishing bravery and maturity for such a young activist.
Those who tirelessly work within communities close to home or far away making lives better for those that are less privileged than the rest of us and highlighting injustices whatever they may be.
That’s grand – an Irish expression to denote everything is all good!
Time, when I have some of it spare!