Founders, employee owners and business leaders from across the South West will gather in Exeter this autumn to hear practical insights on succession, culture, governance and life after transition from some of the country’s best-known employee-owned organisations.
Organised by Stephens Scown, Paradigm Norton and The Peloton, the conference will be held at Winslade Manor on Thursday 15 October 2026 and is expected to welcome more than 160 delegates, speakers and guests, making it one of the largest gatherings of employee-owned businesses and employee ownership specialists in the South West.
The one-day event will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, practical workshops and peer-to-peer sessions covering culture, leadership, governance, succession, communication, employee voice and life after transition.
Headline speakers
Speakers will include Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford, and Charlotte Tickle, Riverford’s Chief People, Culture and Impact Officer, who will explore legacy, culture and long-term stewardship following Riverford’s transition to full employee ownership.
David Sproxton CBE, co-founder of Aardman, and Helen Beard, Employee Trustee Director, will share the story behind one of the UK’s most iconic employee-owned businesses and its approach to creativity, governance and long-term success.
Delegates will also hear from founders, employee owners and advisers from organisations including Paradigm Norton, ICE Trikes, Enhanced, Magenta Associates and the Employee Ownership Association, alongside specialist advisers supporting businesses through transition, governance and growth.
Through keynotes, workshops and panel discussions, attendees will gain practical insights from those who have experienced employee ownership first-hand as well as experts helping shape the future of the sector.
Building the South West’s employee ownership community
The conference has been developed by the organisers following their own experiences of employee ownership and a shared ambition to strengthen connections within the region’s growing community of employee-owned businesses.
Sam Moles, Employee Ownership Services Consultant at Stephens Scown, said:
“When Stephens Scown became the first large law firm in the UK to move to employee ownership in 2016, we knew we were doing something bold. Ten years on, it has proved to be one of the most important decisions in the firm’s history, shaping how we work, grow and involve our people in the future of the business.
“We’re bringing together some of the UK’s most experienced voices in employee ownership, from founders who have successfully transitioned their businesses to employee-owned models, to employee trustees, business leaders and specialist advisers who support those journeys every day.
“Whether someone is simply curious about employee ownership, actively considering a transition, or already part of an employee-owned business, there will be practical insights, lived experience and valuable connections for everyone attending.”
Barry Horner, founder and former CEO of Paradigm Norton, said:
“Employee ownership can be one of the most rewarding transitions a business ever makes, but it is also one of the most significant. This conference will give founders, leaders and employee owners the chance to learn from people who understand the realities first-hand.”
Daniel Riches, Director at The Peloton, said:
“One of the great strengths of employee ownership is the willingness of businesses to support each other. This event will provide practical ideas, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections for organisations at every stage of the journey.”
Event details
South West Employee Ownership Conference 2026
Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
Time: 10am–6pm
Venue: Winslade Manor, Winslade Park, Manor Drive, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1FY
Tickets: £30 per person
Book: Buy tickets – Southwest Employee Ownership Conference 2026 – Winslade Park