15.7 C
Manchester
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
LegalBold employee ownership move for Oliver & Co Solicitors

Bold employee ownership move for Oliver & Co Solicitors

Oliver & Co, a North West law firm that prides itself on promoting happiness and positivity as it’s culture, has become completely employee owned. The 85 employees of Chester-based Oliver & Co Solicitors now own 100% of the business through an employee ownership trust and will enjoy an equal share of the firm’s profits.

The former owners of Oliver & Co describe the move as a “natural progression” for the firm which will “secure the business for the future”.

Oliver & Co is the first law firm in Chester and North Wales to become employee owned and is the largest law firm in the North West of England to make the move to employee ownership.

Oliver & Co’s former owners David Owen and Kay Cook will remain with the firm in senior positions. David Owen said: “We’ve always prioritised happiness and positivity at Oliver & Co, so employee ownership was a natural progression for us.

“By selling the business to our employees we can retain that special culture and secure the business for the future. And our clients will benefit too, because if our people are happy, that is reflected in the fantastic service we give to our clients.”

Employee ownership is increasing across the UK and according to the Employee Ownership Association, companies that are employee owned, or who have a large and significant employee ownership stake, now contribute £30 billion to the UK’s GDP.

Kay Cook explains why employee ownership made sense for Oliver & Co: “Employee owned businesses tend to see higher levels of profitability and productivity, along with improved employee and customer satisfaction. Employee owned companies excel in engaging employees, who in turn drive performance and innovation.

“We’ve always encouraged colleagues to make suggestions and contribute to the way the business is run. Becoming employee owned takes that a step further and gives our people a stake in the business and an equal share in our profits, no matter what their role or seniority.”

Employee ownership is one of the fastest growing business succession solutions in the UK, where there are now more than 1,000 employee-owned businesses, with the sector more than doubling in the past three years.

The fast pace of growth amongst businesses has taken off with the use of the employee ownership trust (EOT), introduced by the government in 2014 to encourage long-term employee ownership, and one in every 20 private company sales is now to an EOT, with Oliver & CO Solicitors joining a network of EOTs in the UK that include Richer Sounds and Go Ape.

James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association, said: “We congratulate our members Oliver & Co Solicitors on its transition to employee ownership; securing the ethos, values, and culture of the business, as well as rooting jobs in Chester.

“Businesses that give employees a stake and a say build trust and shared responsibility, uniting leaders and employees behind a common purpose, and leaving businesses in a better position to flex and adapt.”

Oliver & Co’s employees will be eligible to become employee owners after working for the business for six months.

Oliver & Co has recently received recognition in the fields of personal injury, industrial disease and clinical negligence by being ranked in the 2023 edition of the Legal 500, the independent guide to the legal profession that is based on feedback from clients. 

News Desk
News Deskhttps://www.businessmanchester.co.uk/
The Business Manchester News Desk team is a collective of experienced journalists and editors dedicated to delivering comprehensive business news and insights from the Manchester area and beyond. With a strong background in finance, technology, property, and innovation, our team ensures that our readers stay well-informed about the latest trends and developments in the business world. Through in-depth reports and insightful analysis, the Business Manchester News Desk team is committed to providing high-quality journalism to its audience.
Latest

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

Reliable auto locksmith services in Manchester: Everything you need to know

Car keys are essential to our daily lives, yet they are more vulnerable than we might think. In the lively city of Manchester, where...

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Reliable auto locksmith services in Manchester: Everything you need to know

Car keys are essential to our daily lives, yet they are more vulnerable than we might think. In the lively city of Manchester, where...

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

More News

Craig Cornick Cleared of Hacking Charge in Long-Running ICO Case

A Manchester businessman has been found not guilty of computer hacking, following a lengthy investigation and prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Craig...

Ai Law Honoured as 2025 Legal Team of the Year at National Property Awards

Ai Law is delighted to announce its latest accolade—being named “Legal Team of the Year” at the 2025 Sunday Express Construction and Property Awards....

Kaur Sutherland Champions Wellbeing-Focused Conveyancing Practice

As demands on the conveyancing sector continue to rise, law firms are being challenged to maintain quality, stay profitable, and look after the mental...