RBS to host first employee ownership conference

A conference outlining the benefits of employee ownership for Scottish firms is to be held in Edinburgh next month.

Alison Rose of RBS said employee ownership can be 'highly effective'

The event, called Inspire EO Scotland, will be hosted by Royal Bank of Scotland at its Gogarburn headquarters and speakers will include Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of employee-owned retail group John Lewis Partnership.

Mayfield said: “Employee ownership can offer a number of benefits such as enhanced profitability and increased employee engagement, motivation and productivity.

“Evidence also suggests that employee-owned companies outperform conventionally-owned businesses in the long term and can be more resilient during recessions. At the John Lewis Partnership, employee ownership really matters – it means that our Partners are more engaged and more accountable for the success of the business.”

About 150 delegates are expected to attend the event, which takes place on 26 October, including Dennis Overton of salmon farmer Aquascot and Dick Philbrick of foundry machinery maker Clansman Dynamics.

Other speakers will include Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson.

Alison Rose, chief executive of commercial and private banking at RBS, said: “Employee ownership can be a highly effective way to engage staff and run a successful business. This event gives SMEs a valuable opportunity to learn more about the benefits and how they can make it work for them.”