Our work is part of the Social Business Wales programme funded by Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund. This means that the cost of our specialist advisors is fully covered, offering you free guidance and support every step of the way. Legal fees are not generally covered but through our relationships with law firms we are able to help agree the best terms of engagement.
We’ve advised over 50 companies in Wales about ownership transition, completing our first assignment in 1994 with the £9million purchase of Tower Colliery by its employees. Since then we’ve helped many businesses make the transition to Employee Ownership including engineering companies, health firms, retail businesses, film and TV companies, architecture firms, IT organisations and print companies.
Whether you’re considering a full-blown transition to employee ownership, implementing an employee share scheme or a management buy-out, our team of experienced specialist advisors can manage the whole process for you. If you would like to discuss a fully-funded options appraisal, please get in touch.
It’s a big decision to make, but with us by your side, you and your business are in very safe hands.
We have been championing Employee Ownership in Wales for over 30 years and have helped over 50 businesses from a variety of sectors to successfully make the transition. Our advisors have over 100 years of combined specialist knowledge and experience.
We have access to a framework of specialists for legal work, valuation, planning, tax, corporate restructuring and HR. We also have links to funders, mainstream banks, Wales Development Bank and specialised lenders.
We are pragmatic, solution orientated, down to earth, and we speak plain English (or Welsh!) We know that one size does not fit all, so we offer bespoke one-to-one guidance and advice – for free, every step of the way.
We can assess your business, provide advice on all succession options and help you choose the best path for you.
We can work with owners, managers, directors and employees to make sure everyone is involved and understands the process.
We can provide an independent valuation of your business.
We can work with key employees who will be taking on business management responsibilities and make sure they have the skills and confidence they need.
We can help put the appropriate financial processes in place to transfer the owner’s shares, either directly to the employees or via an employee ownership trust.
We can provide advice on the tax relief and tax free profit shares that employee owned companies may be eligible for.
Once the deal is sealed, we can provide ongoing advice on managing the transition and keeping employees engaged.
Our role is to manage the entire business ownership transition using the our fully funded four-step process:
A first meeting with you to discuss your objectives and assess your expectations. Outlining the seven options for selling your business, including the four main options for selling to your employees. Map out which transfer plan may achieve your objectives.
Develop your preferred transfer plan and ensure the business is in the right shape and structure to be sold. Detailed work includes an independent valuation of your business, preparing a business plan and discussions with finance providers. Agreement of the plan.
Once we have supported you to draw up your ‘heads of terms’ your next step will be to arrange legal and tax advice*. We will facilitate discussions with your advisors, to support you every step of the way and help you arrange your completion day. *Please note, we cannot fund legal fees
Post-agreement support to help the new company adjust to the new structure. Ongoing advice and training provided to the new management, Board and shareholders as well as professional advisors such as Accountants. Help with future distribution of shares.
Project Manager
Nicola is an experienced and qualified project manager and is educated to Masters Level in Management and Leadership.
With over 20 years experience of working with private, public and the third sector organisations, she is a qualified Executive Coach and has coached leaders across all sectors.
A qualified and experienced learning and development professional, Nicola has trained both locally and internationally. She is passionate about sustainable development and, in turn, increasing the number and profile of employee owned businesses in Wales.
Contact Nicola
Business Advisor
Paul has over 40 years experience in both the private and public sectors. Businesses and organisations he has advised range from ICI, BP Chemicals, Dunlop, Monsanto, Goodyear, Ford and Toyota to Mirror Group Newspapers, Birmingham City Council, United Nations and the Commonwealth Office.
He has served on the Advisory Board of the Science and Technology division of the British Library and also on the West Midlands Board of the Princes Trust.
Paul moved to Wales in 2009 and has been advising companies in on Employee Ownership ever since. He has acted as principal advisor to many companies who have made the transition using Employee Ownership Trusts and Management Buyouts. He has also designed and introduced several successful Employee Share Schemes throughout Wales.
Contact Paul
Business Advisor
Branwen has been advising private sector companies, social enterprises, co-operatives and charity trading arms for over 20 years, supporting clients across a range of sectors with their growth and succession plans.
Having developed particular expertise in sustainable development, corporate governance and employee engagement, Branwen is equipped with the tools and knowledge to support businesses through the B Corp certification process and is a qualified B Leader.
Branwen has a sound knowledge of financial management and holds the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting as well as the Institute of Export Diploma in International Trade.
Contact Branwen
Business Advisor
Sarah has over 25 years experience as a business advisor and became involved in Employee Ownership after setting up The Community Loan Fund in Wales in 2000. During this time as an Investment Executive Sarah’s role was analysing Business plans and Financial Forecasts and recommending Investment to support the growth of Employee Owned Businesses.
In 2011, Sarah commenced her employment with Wales Co-operative Centre where she has been advising companies in Employee Ownership ever since. She has acted as principal advisor to companies transitioning using Employee Owned Trusts with expertise in corporate governance and employee engagement.
Contact Sarah
Social Business Wales, delivered by Cwmpas is part of the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Cwmpas, Wales’ national development agency for co-operatives and social businesses.
Formally known as the Wales Co-operative Centre, Cwmpas is a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, number 24287 R.
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