IN THE PRESS: A West Yorkshire corporate finance boutique's move to employee ownership has been named as Insider's Deal of the Month for August.

Wakefield-based fds Director Services was founded in 1989 and has since completed more than 400 transactions.

Jo Haigh, chief executive and founder of fds, passed ownership of the business to managing director Poonam Kaur, and the existing team, as part of the company's succession planning.

All staff, subject to participation rules, each have ownership in the business through the employee ownership trust (EOT). The EOT also has a trustee board that has final control over the operation of the business.

Speaking at the time of the deal, Haigh said: "Haigh said: "Having started fds back in 1989, I am passionate about what happens to fds next, and I truly believe passing ownership of the company via an EOT to the team is the ideal way."

To learn more about Employee Ownership Trusts and the process please click here or to view the original article by Insider click here.

Employee Ownership Trusts

Digital Download

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is not a new concept, but it’s not well known or utilised. If your company benefits from a loyal and able workforce, who you potentially see as the future owners of the business, EOTs are a great way for business owners to extract excess cash from the company.

This guide outlines the process, as well as what business owners need to consider before beginning the process.

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