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

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

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

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

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

Transitioning to Employee Ownership? Don’t Go It Alone. Selling your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can be one of the most rewarding — and tax-efficient — ways to exit. But make no mistake: an EOT transaction is not a DIY project. From legal structuring and valuation to employee communication and trustee appointments, the process is complex, sensitive, and highly technical. Getting the right outcome — for you, your business, and your employees — depends on work

Transitioning to employee ownership is about more than tax incentives and a smooth succession plan. For many business owners, it's a strategic decision that creates long-term value — not just for the seller, but for the employees, the business, and the legacy they leave behind. When implemented properly, an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can offer sustainable success for decades to come. 1. Business Continuity and Legacy Protection Many business owners worry about what happen

Why Share Case Studies? Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) are an increasingly popular exit route for UK business owners — especially those who want to preserve their legacy, protect their team, and take advantage of full Capital Gains Tax relief. But how does it work in real life? Below, we share a selection of successful EOT transitions across different sectors to highlight how flexible and impactful this model can be when handled properly. Union Industries – high-speed doors

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a UK government-endorsed model that enables business owners to transfer a controlling interest in their company to a trust established for the benefit of all employees. This structure offers a tax-efficient succession plan while fostering a culture of shared ownership and engagement. What Is an EOT? An EOT is a trust that holds a controlling stake (more than 50%) in a company on behalf of its employees. Unlike direct share ownership, emplo

The landscape of business ownership is shifting. As more founders seek succession strategies that protect their legacy, and employees demand meaningful engagement and security, employee ownership is rising as a sustainable, people-centric solution. At EOT.co.uk, we believe employee ownership will become a defining business model of the next decade. 1. Rising Popularity of the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Since its introduction in 2014, the EOT has grown rapidly in appeal. W

Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is one of the most powerful decisions a business owner can make. Done right, it secures the legacy of the business, rewards the people who helped build it, and creates long-term resilience through employee engagement and shared purpose. But here's the challenge: change breeds uncertainty. For employees, the shift to a new ownership model—especially one they may not fully understand—can create questions, doubts, and resistance

Transitioning to employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is more than a legal or financial decision—it’s a cultural shift. For business owners planning this move, how and when you introduce the concept to your team can shape the long-term success of the transition. Handled well, it inspires trust, boosts morale, and creates genuine buy-in. Done poorly, it can cause confusion, anxiety, or even resistance. This article shares practical steps and best practi

How to finance an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transition successfully Transitioning to employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is an increasingly popular succession route for UK business owners. It provides a tax-efficient exit, preserves the company’s legacy, and rewards the workforce — but as with any business sale, funding the transaction is a critical consideration. Let's explore the main EOT funding options , the pros and cons of each, and how to