The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) has reached a significant milestone, celebrating ten years of employee ownership. This unique Swindon-based business, dedicated to offering independent homebuilding advice and support, transitioned to employee ownership in 2014 when The Homebuilding Centre Ltd was formed to manage the venue.
Today, twenty employees own 80% of the thriving business, with shares held directly and through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The remaining shares are held by Capital for Colleagues, an investment group that specialises in transitioning businesses to employee ownership.
On Friday, 28th June, the NSBRC team celebrated this achievement with a special dinner, utilising the Centre’s space and stunning full-sized show houses as a backdrop. Over one hundred guests attended, including popular BBC News presenter Martine Croxall, who hosted the evening. Martine delivered an insightful address on the importance of transparency and trust in the media and introduced other guest speakers, including James de le Vingne, CEO of the Employee Ownership Association (EOA).
The evening concluded with a surprise awards ceremony, recognising key suppliers and supporters who have contributed to the NSBRC’s success over the past decade. Martine Croxall commented, “It was a treat to be invited to host the NSBRC’s celebration evening. The hard work of the first ten years of employee ownership and the team spirit they’ve created meant the atmosphere during dinner and the awards ceremony was joyful! Harvey and the other employee owners should be very proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director of the NSBRC, expressed his delight: “We were thrilled to celebrate such an important moment for our business with so many of our colleagues, friends, and supporters. Every employee was invited to bring along their partner, as our EO culture has created a caring, family environment. We were also delighted to celebrate some of our key suppliers, such as our amazing cleaning team, who have made a massive impact on the customer experience we deliver. Having the EOA represented by James, and the fantastic support of Martine, made for a memorable, inspirational night for everyone.”
Employee ownership is a rapidly growing business model in the UK, with EO businesses regularly outperforming non-EO peers in productivity, innovation, and community investment.
James de le Vingne, CEO of the Employee Ownership Association, congratulated the NSBRC: “Congratulations to everyone at the NSBRC on 10 years of EO, and for celebrating with such flair! Your energy and enthusiasm for all you do, and for one another, as fellow employee-owners, made for a very special evening. As early adopters of the EOT, it’s fantastic to see you flourishing and to have this recognised by those closest to you. Thank you for inviting me and for being such fantastic EO advocates, you are certainly paving the way for others to follow.”
The event also supported local businesses, with a three-course meal by Black Dog Catering and staging and lighting by Corporate Events, both Swindon-based firms.
The NSBRC, located at Junction 16 of the M4 with ample free parking, is open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday. It has welcomed over a quarter of a million visitors since its inception in 2007. The Centre’s next big event, a Heat & Energy Workshop, is scheduled for Saturday, 10th August, featuring talks on heat pumps, solar energy, electric vehicles, smart controls, and rainwater harvesting.
For more information and to book free tickets, visit NSBRC.
