Business Details
23 Years
experience
Employee Ownership Legal Specialists
We are a 100% employee-owned boutique legal firm with over 20 years' experience specialising in employee ownership structures. Founded in 2003 by Robert Postlethwaite, our practice has successfully guided 200+ businesses through employee ownership trust transitions and implemented numerous share schemes. As B Corp certified practitioners, we combine technical excellence with practical commercial advice, working collaboratively with accountants and business advisers to deliver tailored solutions.Our team's first-hand experience operating an employee-owned model informs our approach to creating sustainable ownership structures that protect business values while delivering tax efficiencies. Recognised as industry leaders by Legal 500 and Chambers UK, we maintain SRA regulation compliance while pioneering innovative employee ownership frameworks.
Services
Employee Ownership Trusts
Share Schemes
Tax Planning
Legal Documentation
Succession Planning
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 20+ years' exclusive focus on employee ownership structures
- B Corp certified demonstrating ethical business practices
- Successfully completed 200+ EOT transitions
- 100% employee-owned firm with practical model experience
- Ranked as leading firm by Legal 500 and Chambers UK
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Trusted experts
Excellent service
Proven track record
B Corp certified
Industry leaders
Services
Employee Ownership Trusts
We specialise in designing and implementing Employee Ownership Trusts that preserve business values while creating tax-efficient ownership transitions. Our 20+ years' experience with 200+ successful EOT structures ensures clients receive practical solutions aligned with HMRC requirements. We guide businesses through valuation, legal documentation, and trustee arrangements while maintaining operational continuity.
Share Schemes
Our team designs tailored share schemes including EMI options, growth shares, and CSOP plans that align employee interests with business objectives. We handle HMRC compliance, valuation negotiations, and scheme documentation while ensuring tax advantages for both employers and participants across private and listed companies.
Succession Planning
We develop comprehensive succession strategies using hybrid models combining trust ownership with individual shareholding. Our approach protects business legacies while creating leadership development pathways through structured ownership transfers that maintain company independence.
Tax Advisory
Our specialists maximise tax benefits through EOT structures offering 0% capital gains tax relief and tax-free employee bonuses up to 3,600 annually. We ensure compliance with legislative requirements while optimising financial outcomes for business owners and employees.
Legal Documentation
We prepare comprehensive legal frameworks including trust deeds, share purchase agreements, and governance documentation. Our precise drafting ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while establishing clear operational guidelines for employee-owned businesses.
People
Robert Postlethwaite
Managing Director & Partner
Founder with 20+ years' experience in employee ownership structures, previously partner at international corporate law firm. Pioneered the firm's employee-owned model in 2023.
David Reuben
Partner
Specialist in tax-advantaged share schemes with extensive experience advising growth companies on EMI and CSOP implementations across multiple sectors.
Toby Locke
Share Plans Director
Technical expert in complex share scheme design, particularly for multinational corporations extending incentives to UK employees while maintaining global compliance.
Judith Harris
Senior Solicitor
Experienced in EOT transactions and corporate governance, providing practical guidance on trust structures and employee communication strategies.
Lorna Martin
Practice Manager & Trustee
Manages operational aspects of trust implementations, combining legal expertise with practical governance experience from serving as EOT trustee.
Questions
What is an Employee Ownership Trust?
An EOT is a tax-efficient structure where employees indirectly own a company through a trust, preserving business values while offering sellers 0% capital gains tax relief.
How does employee ownership benefit business owners?
EOTs provide tax advantages, leadership succession options, and cultural continuity while avoiding third-party sales or private equity deals.
What share schemes do you specialise in?
We implement EMI schemes for growing businesses, CSOP for larger companies, growth shares for startups, and tailored tax-advantaged arrangements.
How long does an EOT transition take?
Most transitions complete within 3-4 months, depending on business complexity and regulatory requirements for professional firms.
Are you regulated legal practitioners?
Yes, we're regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and ranked as leading specialists by Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides.
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Reviews (2)
Oaklands Garden Maintenance
Jan 28, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Postlethwaites acted for our company as it moved into employee ownership. It was a far-from-straightforward starting position (previous failed business sale, EOT proposed by employees not founders) but Postlethwaites were superb throughout. Highly recommended and happy to expand directly to curious companies.
Postlethwaites acted for our company as it moved into employee ownership. It was a far-from-straightforward starting position (previous failed business sale, EOT proposed by employees not founders) but Postlethwaites were superb throughout. Highly recommended and happy to expand directly to curious companies.
Max Hotopf
Sep 07, 2020
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Great firm. David Reuben gave us excellent advice on a very complex share option scheme. They do not charge an arm and a leg either!
