For many business owners, planning an exit is about more than maximising value. It is also about protecting the legacy you have built, rewarding the people who helped create it, and ensuring the long-term stability of the business. An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has become an increasingly popular and attractive succession option for owners who want a flexible, tax-efficient and values-driven route to sale. At Kreston Reeves, we support business owners at every stage of establishing and transitioning to employee ownership.
Beyond the tax benefits, an EOT preserves the independence and identity of your business, offering a combination of commercial value and cultural continuity. The company continues to trade as normal, with the same management team and brand, but with a structure that promotes long-term thinking rather than short-term returns. Many owners take comfort in knowing the business will remain in the hands of the people who know it best.
An EOT can also provide flexibility in exit planning. Sales can be structured over time, funded by future profits, allowing owners to step back gradually while maintaining cash flow and involvement if desired. This makes EOTs particularly attractive where an immediate full exit is not practical or desirable.
