Stuart Bell
Move ‘has real potential to change their lives’, says founder
Recruitment agency Robertson Bell has become an Employee Ownership Trust, EOT.
The company, founded 15 years ago and working with clients in the public and not-for-profit sector, has recorded its best ever trading year and founder Stuart Bell has decided to sell the business to an EOT, enabling the staff to benefit from the company’s future success.
Mr Bell will remain in place as chief executive as part of the deal.
He said: “Having spent 15 years building a business, one that is continually evolving and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the organisations it helps, the time has come to transfer ownership to the those who have made Robertson Bell the success it has been; its people.
“Through an EOT we can empower staff with the knowledge that they will be the ones to benefit as the company continues to flourish.”
Robertson Bell’s Midlands office is in the Innovation Centre in Northampton where it operates a team of 35 staff. Including its two directors, who both joined as trainees. The company’s emphasis on people is what has driven the value in the business, says Mr Bell.
Introduced in the Finance Act 2014, EOTs allow shares to be held on behalf of a company’s employees. Robertson Bell EOT Limited will facilitate employee ownership of Robertson Bell, ensuring the staff benefit from company profits and the continued growth of the business. Employees become eligible to be beneficiaries of the trust after 12 months of service.
Mr Bell said: “We have successfully competed with London-based firms for 15 years and this is testament to the hard work of the team. This company has not been built by experienced people; it has been built brick by brick by local people starting as trainees and it is their continued commitment that has spurred my decision to sell to an EOT.
“The move will help protect our deep-rooted values, culture and emphasis on our people while being a unique opportunity for them to take on more responsibility and leadership. It has real potential to change their lives.”
