Our Journey to an Employee-Owned Agency
In 2022, we became employee-owned, establishing a similar company model to the likes of John Lewis, LUSH and Go Ape. As an employee-owned agency, everyone at NOVOS has a legitimate say in the future of the business and has the chance to reap the ongoing financial rewards of our growth. We’re a people-first agency at our core, so it made sense to allow the people who understand the agency best to guide key company decisions.
NOVOS was founded in 2018 when Sam and Antonio, our two co-founders, decided to challenge the agency model and create an environment that encouraged individuals to thrive in their work. Company culture was, and still is, highly important, so they initiated a 360-degree approach to employee benefits with a strong focus on mental wellbeing and professional development.
4 years later in 2022, The People Committee was established to develop key initiatives throughout the agency to develop its culture and values. This involved regular feedback from the team and voicing ideas to the board of NOVOS. During the same year, Sam and Antonio sold 90% of their shares to the team, using a similar approach to John Lewis via an employee-ownership trust. This means that every person who works at NOVOS is a co-owner of the business!
Our Diversity & Inclusion Pledge
“NOVOS and our employees will strive to create an open, inclusive and accessible culture. This will be underpinned by fair, inclusive and accessible recruitment practices and sharing all our best practice with the rest of the sector, our clients and the wider public.”
Why We Became Employee-Owned
Becoming an employee-owned agency provided the team with greater ownership, responsibility and accountability for the success of the business. We’ve always believed that if the company looks after the people, they look after our clients, which looks after our growth. We’re rewarded by being able to make meaningful changes to existing policies and processes through our People Committee and we all share the financial benefits.
Values
At NOVOS, we don’t just say we’re a ‘people-first’ agency. We live and breathe the values of a people-first business. Unlike so many other agencies, we’ve taken the extra step to also become a ‘people-led’ agency, led by the teams that built the company to where it is today.
Everyone Gets Rewarded
Through a traditional sale of an agency, only the founders and a select few with shares benefit from any dividends/rewards from the sale whilst the remaining team are left to transition to an often larger company with a different culture. However, as an employee-owned business, everyone’s rewarded.
Longevity
The longevity of the business is maintained as with so many independent agencies of the past that are now non-existent after being absorbed into their parent company. This way, NOVOS can survive for longer as Sam and Antonio continue to support its growth.
What Our Team Say
To prove we’re not making it up, the team have highlighted some of the ways NOVOS has supported their work/life balance and development.
Holly Mason, Digital PR Strategist
"Working at NOVOS has been amazing for me and my mental health. The flexible working options allow me to balance my career and personal life and having the option to go into the office is great to see members of the team. The unlimited holiday is especially a fantastic benefit as it's great not having to worry about how many days I can book off and the company closes for 2 weeks at Christmas meaning all staff can truly switch off and relax!"
Mark McMeekin, Head of PR
"Working at NOVOS allows me to perfectly balance my busy family life with work. Both the unlimited holiday, along with the personal care day allowance, coupled with the flexible working means I'm always around for school pick ups, days off in the holidays and just generally present in my home life."
Robert Congdon, SEO Strategist
"One of the most difficult things about starting a new job is when suddenly things in your personal life come up and you need some time off or even an afternoon to get these things sorted. When I first started at NOVOS I was moving house, but the team were understanding and the companies flexible working policy meant I had extra time in the mornings to get things done and still make my afternoon meetings."
Nine van Strydonck, Head of Operations
"I’m so grateful for NOVOS’ flexibility and trust in employees. It’s so much easier to have a healthy work-life balance when we’re encouraged to make time for both the small and big things in life. I don’t have to stress about finding time for doctor’s appointments or going to the post office on a weekday, or taking a walk when I need a break. Most importantly, NOVOS’ generous holiday scheme means I can travel abroad to see my family without having to worry about not having enough leave throughout the year!"
Daniel Cartland, Delivery Director
"Personally, I’ve found NOVOS’ benefits to be fantastic at supporting my work-life balance, making the working day enjoyable, and ensuring I can perform to the best of my abilities. Unlimited holiday sometimes gets a bad rap, however, I find being able to take a day off without the stress of counting down holiday days remaining to be amazing. Add on top of this specific birthday days off, and personal care days each quarter, time to recharge away from work is always encouraged. I often also use the flexible working policy to make sure I can walk my brilliant dog Jasper in the day, or get a gym session in whilst it’s a bit less busy. As a keen (but unsuccessful) sportsman, access to physiotherapy via Medicash has been a lifesaver and super easy to use. Whilst in work, the Assembly recognition software is fantastic to show colleagues you appreciate their work and support beyond a “thank you”. It’s also always nice to receive this feedback and recognition (and getting a free takeaway with the points built up is never a bad thing!)."
Want To Work With An Award-Winning Agency?
Find out how we can work together and enquire about our organic growth services, today!