Posted 13th March 2026
Posted 23 hours ago
By GS Verde Group
Sonic Alarm Systems becomes Employee Owned
A leading Welsh Security provider, Sonic Alarm Systems, has completed an Employee Ownership transaction (EOT).
Employee Ownership
How Employee Ownership works
Employee ownership can be a way of selling your business or act as a route to a partial exit as part of business succession plans. To become an employee-owned organisation, an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is often set up, which means that employees acquire a majority stake in the business as a group. This is held on trust, with employees then becoming involved in decision-making, strategy and direction via a committee.
The potential economic benefits of employee ownership are recognised by the government. Employee ownership can improve performance, and employee-owned companies often have a positive culture, greater employee participation, and a committed workforce.
Interested in how you could implement an Employee Ownership structure in your business?
Why is employee ownership good for business?
Employee ownership business advantages
- Greater employee engagement
- ‘Friendly’ transaction compared to third party sales means simpler negotiation
- Buyer is already present and understands the business leading to a faster and smoother transaction
- Capital Gains Tax applies at 12%, versus the typical rate of 24%
- Continuity for the business
- Owner can plan a partial exit
Employee ownership company culture
- Employee-centric structure empowers staff and business
- Employees benefit from success of the company
- Annual income tax-free bonus of up to £3,600 per employee available
- Sense of security and continuity, compared to trade sale
- Meaningful reward and recognition of employees
Employee ownership examples
Case Study
Employees at South-west based printing company, Handy Brand, acquired a 51% majority stake in the company this year, with guidance and advice from GS Verde Group.
GS Verde supported throughout the entire process, with multidiscipline dealmakers working as one team to advise on company structure, carry out due diligence, raise funding, and draft new contracts and agreements.
“Without our excellent team members and loyal customers, Handy Brand's success would be nowhere near what it is today. That's why I decided to set up the Employee Ownership Trust scheme, to show my huge appreciation for their unwavering professionalism and empower their future development for many years to come." – Martyn Kilford, owner of Handy Brand
Looking for more Employee Ownership info?
Request our full-length employee ownership webinar
Key Benefits
There are a number of benefits to Employee Ownership, including:
- Financial Security for Owner
- Incentive for Employees
- Various Tax Advantages
- Streamlined business exit
- Continuity for Business
- Retain share interest (up to 49%)
- Up to £3,600 tax-free employee bonus
- Employee Engagement & Retention
Employee ownership sale considerations
As with any business transaction, how long employee ownership takes will depend on the parties involved and other factors, such as securing HMRC clearance for an EOT. Working as one team, GS Verde reduces the chance of delays and proactively works to address areas that could cause a deal to stall.
An EOT can suit a range of businesses, from high-profile corporations to family businesses considering their succession plans. As a Group, we understand your specific commercial needs and what is important to you, preventing unforeseen issues.
Why GS Verde?
All the support you need, under one roof
A business owner will need both specialist corporate finance and legal support to complete an EOT. At the GS Verde Group, we can help with both, while also advising on the tax efficiency planning and advantages available when you sell your business.
Financial modelling, business valuation, legal structure and shareholder agreements will all be required. As a Group, we are able to support business owners through the entire EOT process.
To find out if an EOT is the right route for you and your business, contact us and discover how the GS Verde Group can support you
Employee Ownership News
Posted 13th November 2025
Posted 4 months ago
By GS Verde Group
S8080 Secures Future Growth Through Employee Ownership
UK-based digital agency S8080 has completed a employee ownership, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and success.
Posted 17th July 2025
Posted 8 months ago
By GS Verde Group
Total Staffing Solutions Completes Strategic EOT-Linked Funding Facility
Total Staffing Solutions Ltd. (TSS) has secured a funding facility to support the acceleration of its Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) consideration, supported by GS Verde Group and SME Bank.
