Over the last 18 months, we have seen an increased appetite surrounding Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). Could this be an appropriate succession planning option for you?

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) enables a company to become owned by its employees. A trust is set up by the existing owners for the benefit of all employees. The trust then becomes the majority owner of the business.

Despite the UK government introducing Employee Ownership Trusts in 2014, we have found that business owners would like more guidance on whether a sale to an EOT would be an appropriate succession planning option.

In partnership with our member Shorts, join us for this informative and engaging webinar to find out more and have your questions answered.

Why consider an EOT?

EOTs are currently proving a very popular method of selling businesses, due to the variety of benefits they bring:

1. There are attractive tax benefits covering Capital Gains Tax (0% tax on sale), and tax-free cash bonuses of up to £3,600 a year for employees.
2. They offer the chance to sell your business for market value, transferring the business to your employees and rewarding the people who have helped you succeed whilst leaving a lasting legacy.
3. The business model focuses on long term investment. Performance can improve because employees are better incentivised and more committed to the business.

Our event will cover a variety of issues, including:

1. What is an Employee Ownership Trust and how do they work?
2. How does a business decide whether an EOT would be the best option?
3. What are the main benefits for the seller, the employees and for the business itself?
4. What are the tax benefits to an EOT?
5. What are the key stages of carrying out the process?

Ahead of the event, discover more here:

Our expert speakers:

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts

Andy has over 15 years of Corporate Finance experience. He has extensive knowledge of business acquisitions, disposals, EOTs, management buyouts/ buy-ins, and fundraising across a range of sectors and deal sizes, from <£1m up to £50m.

David Robinson, Tax Director at Shorts

A qualified Chartered Tax Adviser with over 10 years’ experience in the profession, David joined Shorts having previously worked for national firms including BDO and RSM. He has significant experience advising growing owner-managed businesses on all aspects of taxation including; acquisitions and disposals, reorganisations, and exit planning.