Following its first 18 months of co-ownership, Sewell Estates Co-Owner Council has released its first annual report, which looks back at what’s been achieved so far and the impact becoming a co-owned business has had on its people and customers.
The report was co-written by two ‘voice champions’ from different parts of the business who sit on the Co-Owner Council; the body that represents the 280 people from across Sewell’s seven businesses.
Dieter Franks, Co-Owner and Site Manager at Sewell Construction, said: “It’s been fantastic to see our ideas and suggestions not only heard but implemented throughout the business. The positive feedback I’ve received has been so encouraging and has motivated me to share my thoughts and ideas even more.”
Since launching its employee ownership trust in January 2023, new governance arrangements have been put in place, which include a Trust Board and Co-Owner Council to represent the voice of its people. The team have attended events up and down the country to learn more about employee ownership and share examples of best practice, and Co-owners have had the opportunity to attend board meetings to directly input into the running of the business.
Stuart Verry, Co-Owner Council Member and Operations Manager at Community Ventures said: “I am extremely proud of what the Council has achieved so far. A group of people from varying roles across the group has developed into a cohesive unit who support each other as we navigated through the first year of employee ownership.”
Some of the achievements include launching a new Co-Owner Charter, which outlines the responsibilities of all employees to ensure the business is serving its customers in the best possible way and continuing to drive efficiencies and improvements.
New employee benefits have also been introduced, including enhanced cost of living pay increases, health screenings, a new payroll saving scheme and uplifts in holiday allowances.
Co-Owners have also been actively submitting ideas for developing the business through new or improved ways of working and identifying areas for making productivity gains and cutting waste.
