Talk to the Employee Ownership Experts

Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust is a significant milestone. Internally, it changes ownership and governance. Externally, it raises a simple but important question from clients and suppliers: what does this mean for us? Handled properly, communicating your EOT can strengthen trust, reinforce stability, and enhance your commercial position. Handled poorly, it can create uncertainty where none needs to exist. This is not a branding exercise. It is a reassurance exer

For business owners planning succession or an exit, Employee Ownership Trusts and Management Buyouts are often compared as alternatives to a trade sale. Both routes can preserve continuity, protect jobs, and keep a business independent. However, they are fundamentally different in how they operate, how they are funded, and how value and control transfer over time. Choosing between an EOT and an MBO should never be driven by historic tax assumptions or adviser preference. It s

A well-structured Employee Ownership Trust relies on one critical element: the strength of its trustee board. The trustee board is responsible for safeguarding the long-term interests of employees, ensuring compliance with EOT legislation, and providing oversight without interfering in day-to-day operations. When the board is set up properly, an EOT becomes a stable and highly effective ownership model. When it is not, governance issues soon emerge. At EOT.co.uk , we see both

In an era where trust in business leaders is fragile and stakeholders expect more than commercial success, employee ownership has moved from an interesting idea to a mainstream succession strategy. The Employee Ownership Trust model has proven that ethical practice and commercial performance are not opposites. Instead, they reinforce one another. The November 2025 Budget confirmed that the Government sees employee ownership as a long term pillar of responsible capitalism in t

A transition to an Employee Ownership Trust does not require the founder to disappear on day one. In fact, many EOT transactions are structured with the founder remaining active in the business for a defined period. This provides stability, protects trading continuity, and gives employees confidence during a significant cultural shift. A founder who stays on post EOT can support the new ownership structure, safeguard customer and supplier relationships, and help the managemen

The Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has become one of the most talked-about business succession options in the UK — and for good reason. It offers a tax-efficient, fair, and sustainable route for owners to exit while rewarding the people who helped build the business. Yet as the model’s popularity has grown, so too have the myths. From “it’s only for big companies” to “you have to give your business away,” misinformation often stops owners from exploring what could be their be

Employee ownership is often seen as a moral choice — a way to give back to the people who helped build a business. But make no mistake: the most successful employee-owned companies understand that profit and purpose are not opposites. They are partners. A well-structured Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can align commercial success with shared values, ensuring that profitability and purpose reinforce one another rather than compete. This balance is what transforms an EOT from a

Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can be one of the most rewarding decisions a business owner makes — both financially and culturally. But while the EOT model offers long-term benefits for employees and founders alike, the short-term challenge often lies in maintaining stability during the transition. For most businesses, success after the sale depends heavily on retaining key people — the managers, specialists, and long-serving employees who understand how t

Transitioning your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is one of the most positive and empowering steps you can take as an owner. However, while the legal and financial structure of an EOT is crucial, how you communicate the change to your employees is equally important. Handled well, clear and thoughtful communication can inspire confidence, strengthen culture, and ensure your people feel genuinely part of something special. Handled poorly, even the best-planned t

Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) allow owners to sell a controlling interest in their company to a trust that benefits employees. For many founders, the appeal is a tax-efficient exit, cultural continuity, and a smooth handover. The practical question is the same in almost every project: how do we finance it? This article explains the main funding routes, how affordability is tested, what lenders look for, and how to structure an EOT deal that can actually be delivered and su

Transitioning a business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a significant milestone. It not only changes the ownership structure but also shifts the dynamics of how the business is governed, managed, and led. For owners, employees, and trustees alike, understanding the role of leadership after an EOT transition is critical to ensuring long-term success. At EOT.co.uk , we work with business owners to plan and implement employee ownership strategies. Beyond the legal and f

Selling your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has become an increasingly popular route for UK business owners. It provides a...

When a business transitions into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), trustees play a central role in ensuring that the structure operates fairly and in line with the law. Their responsibility goes far beyond administration — trustees are there to represent the interests of employees, safeguard the purpose of the trust, and ensure compliance with legislation. What Is an EOT Trustee? An EOT trustee is an appointed individual (or group) responsible for overseeing the trust that h

Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a major milestone for any business. For founders, it provides a tax-efficient exit route while preserving independence and protecting staff. For employees, it creates a stake in the company’s future. But once the transition is complete, how do you measure whether it has truly been a success? Success with an EOT isn’t just about the deal being completed — it’s about long-term outcomes for the business, employees, and cultur

Selling a business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) offers owners a unique combination of succession planning, employee engagement, and generous tax relief. But one of the most important steps in the process is establishing a fair valuation of the company. Unlike a trade sale, where market competition can push up price, an EOT transaction requires an independently assessed value that balances fairness to the sellers with affordability for the business and its employees. W

Transitioning your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can be a highly effective exit strategy — offering significant tax advantages, protecting your company’s culture, and providing a secure future for your employees. But while the EOT model has clear benefits, the process requires careful planning and preparation. Rushing into a transaction without the right groundwork can lead to unnecessary delays, valuation challenges, and potential financing issues. At EOT.co.

Exploring your options When it comes to stepping away from your business, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re planning for retirement, reducing day-to-day involvement, or simply looking to de-risk, choosing the right exit strategy can have a profound impact on your finances, your team, and your legacy. One increasingly popular route for UK business owners is the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) — a government-backed model that allows you to sell a controlling

Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is more than just a change in business structure – it can transform the way a company operates, engages its workforce and delivers long-term success. Employee ownership gives staff a vested interest in the company’s performance, which can have a powerful and positive effect on company culture. At EOT.co.uk , we have seen first-hand how businesses thrive when employees feel valued, empowered and invested in the future. Greater

Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is one of the most powerful succession routes available to UK business owners — but like any major change, it comes with its own set of challenges. From internal communication to valuation, legal structure to cultural shift, a poorly managed EOT transition can result in confusion, mistrust, or — worse — missed long-term benefits. At EOT.co.uk , we’ve advised on numerous successful transitions. In this guide, we highlight the

Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a powerful step toward securing your legacy, protecting your team, and building a more resilient business. But completing the transaction is only the beginning. The success of any EOT doesn’t just hinge on structure — it depends on culture . And at the heart of that is employee engagement . A disengaged team won’t suddenly become motivated by ownership alone. To truly unlock the benefits of employee ownership, business own