The results of the 17th edition of the newspad All-Employee Share Plan Awards were announced at the Centre's Share Plans Symposium on 5 June 2025. The awards and commendations were presented by James Ashton, Chief Executive Officer of The Quoted Companies Alliance.

The Centre thanks judges Anna Watch (Senior Manager Corporate Governance, Legal, Regulatory & CoSec at BT), Damian Carnell (Founder Director, Corpgro) and former newspad editor Fred Hackworth for generously giving their time and expertise. They were joined in their deliberations by Centre Founder and Life President, Malcolm Hurlston CBE and Chairman Robert Pay.

The number of high-quality entries this year meant that 13 companies in all were shortlisted for the awards over the following categories:

1. Best all-employee share plan
2. Best share plan communications 
3. Best use of technology, AI or behavioural science
4. Best share plan response to significant changes or challenging situations 

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Shortlisted for Category 1 – Best all-employee share plan, were:

Beazley; JTC; Lloyds Banking Group; Rathbones Group; Sage Group; STEF Langdons; and Serco

For this category judges compared the effectiveness in extending ownership, and the communication strategy of each entry, along with employee uptake and enthusiasm.

The winning company’s approach was highly effective, with 100 percent of its of employees owning 16 percent of the issued share capital—a level of participation unmatched by any other applicant. Its structured approach ensures that every employee benefits from the company’s success. Judges were impressed by its innovative "Ownership for All" day concept, and comprehensive equity incentive portfolio. Its corporate nominee service simplifies share trading and AGM participation. Employees have collectively benefited from £400 million in value, reinforcing the firm’s strong ownership culture.

WINNER: JTC

The judges recognised another company for its unusual circumstances as a newly acquired company working with lorry drivers and were impressed by 29 percent participation rate for a first-time plan launch is impressive, considering the workforce demographic. Its communication strategy including the CEO’s involvement, roadshows, and site tours helped integrate employees into the broader Group. Roadshow feedback was highly positive, and uptake was strong for a new plan.

Highly commended: STEF Langdons

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Shortlisted for Category 2 – Best all-employee share plan communications, were:

Beazley; JTC; Kier Group; Lloyds Banking Group; Rathbones Group; Sage Group; Serco; and Vestd

The high quality of share plan communications in this year’s submissions is reflected in the number of entrants shortlisted.

The winning company, given its geographical communication challenges, achieved more than one third global participation, with targeted improvements in India, France, and Spain. It implemented multi-media communications, interactive decision-making tools, and country-specific webinars, along with a new CGT calculator. The results were that participation in key markets jumped significantly, a high percentage of employees submitting maturity instructions within three months. The judges liked its use of a champions approach with "office magic events."

WINNER: Sage Group

Another entry was particularly commended for working with a challenging demographic (low-paid, financially unsophisticated workforce). It conducted focus groups with employees and unions, held financial education webinars, and developed tailored materials. Its multi-region microsite, live Q&A sessions, and union engagement made the communication accessible. The resulting in a 45 percent increase in participation and positive feedback on financial education sessions show success.

Highly commended: Serco

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Shortlisted for Category 3 – Best use of technology in employee share plans, were:

AstraZeneca; Lloyds Banking Group; The International Stock Exchange

Winning entry: Judges were impressed by this company’s comprehensive overhaul of communication strategy; how it increased personalisation and efficiency by automating data retrieval; use of interactive materials to boost engagement, and improved accessibility through translations and country-specific microsites. It used strong metrics showcasing increased employee engagement and technology adoption. The judges liked its good use of automation and microsites to streamline ISA transfers; and its internal communications, including messages from the CEO.

WINNER: AstraZeneca

Highly commended: For this company, judges commended the effective use of a dividend calculator for financial transparency, a well-designed microsite to educate employees, streamlined ISA transfers with an automated end-to-end process, and extensive internal communication efforts, including engaging articles and direct feedback channels. The company leveraged automation, personalisation, and digital tools effectively.

Highly commended: Lloyds Banking Group

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Shortlisted for Category 4 – Best share plan response to significant changes or challenging situations, were:

Bakkafrost; and National Grid

Though there were just two nominees shortlisted for this category, the high standard of both made deciding which was best a very difficult decision.

Winning entry: This company faced a complex, large-scale Rights Issue, while ensuring employees and shareholders could participate effectively – a massive undertaking. Its response was highly competent in coordinating a transatlantic, multi-scheme effort involving 650,000 shareholders. It leveraged digital innovation and multi-channel communication to simplify complex financial decisions for employees and shareholders. The resulting great result for its SIP extended share ownership in a major way.

WINNER: National Grid

The judges wanted too, to commend the company, which they felt went above and beyond to get its message across, overcoming distrust of share owning by the workforce; physically reaching employees in remote locations to build trust and engagement. This was reinforced by 90 percent take up, which is very impressive for a contributory plan in a low pay industry, and with history of investment loss.

Highly commended: Bakkafrost

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Many congratulations to the winners, commended and all shortlisted for the 17th newspad All-Employee Share Plan Awards. A full report of the presentations and judges’ comments will be published in the next issue of newspad.