Employee Ownership Trust advisers in the UK – Recommended provider guide

When business owners search for Employee Ownership Trust advisers, the results can be confusing.

Many providers have websites stuffed with buzz phrases (“boost employee engagement”), but thin on detail, leaving you unsure what support you’ll actually get with your EOT transition.

This article explains briefly what an Employee Ownership Trust is, how to choose the right advisers, and why working with experienced independent providers matters.

What is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)?

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a legal structure that allows a company to become employee owned. Under UK law, if the sale qualifies, there can be generous capital gains tax benefits for owners who transfer their shares to an EOT. For many, it offers an alternative to a trade sale or management buyout. Helping ensure business continuity and rewarding employees, without relying on staff to raise funds to buy you out.

Why should you use an Employee Ownership Trust adviser?

Specialist EOT advisers in the UK can guide owners through valuation, tax clearance, and legal structuring. Choosing a recommended provider for your EOT transition means you:

• Reduce risk
• Have confidence the compliance is done well
• Create the best chance of financial success for all
• Create a long-term legacy

Benefits of using a recommended provider for EOTs

• Independent valuations that aren’t overly inflated, and affordable for the business to pay
• Tax clearance obtained, giving the best chance of securing the amazing tax perks of EOTs
• Setup suitable trustee vehicle to legally control the company going forward
• Trust deeds and other legal documents prepared by those legally authorised to do so
• Hold your hand through the transaction, so you understand what’s happening and why
• Make all required filings with HMRC/Companies House

How to choose the right Employee Ownership Trust adviser

Not all EOT advisers offer the same level of expertise. Some focus narrowly on one area, such as tax or law, while others provide joined-up support. Whilst there can be reasons to go to the experts in each sector, for smaller straight forward companies there are decent firms like Go EO that can cover all the key areas in one package.

Key qualities of trusted EOT advisers

• Experience with EOT transitions across sectors
• Chartered tax, accounting, and/or legal qualifications
• Transparent fees and clear timelines
• Positive client testimonials and case studies

Read our case studies

Employee Ownership Trust vs. trade sale

Many owners wonder whether to sell to a trade buyer or through an Employee Ownership Trust. A trade sale may maximise short-term wealth, but it often risks culture and continuity. An EOT transaction balances financial return with legacy and staff engagement, which is why more business owners seek trusted EOTrust advisers to explore this route.

Why Go EO is a recommended Employee Ownership Trust provider in the UK

Go EO specialises in EOT transitions. It’s the main thing we do! Plus our own founder, Chris Maslin, has been through the process himself before, selling what was his company to an EOT in 2021. This helps us understand not just the technical aspects like other accountants/lawyers, but also the emotional side too!

Go EO combine independent valuation, tax clearance expertise, and all required legal documents. Recognised by accountants, trade associations, and sector-specific publications, we’re a trusted EOT specialist firm in the UK. We’ve assisted with EOT sales across a broad range of industries, so there’s a good chance we’ve supported a business like yours.

Frequently asked questions about Employee Ownership Trusts

Do I need an Employee Ownership Trust adviser?

Yes. An EOT involves valuation, tax, and legal work that requires specialist expertise. A recommended provider for EOT support ensures compliance and smooth delivery.

How long does an Employee Ownership Trust transaction take?

The nuts and bolts of an EOT sale can potentially be done in a couple of months. However, there’s typically some time prior to committing, where you consider your options. Plus lots of time before and after the sale where you and the wider team fully grasp what being employee owned really means.

Read our EOT sale process

What are the benefits of an EOT vs a trade sale?

Employee Ownership Trusts allow you to exit while protecting your business’s independence, rewarding staff, and benefiting from tax reliefs. A trade sale is often faster but can compromise culture.

Can my accountant do the valuation?

They may well have valuation experience, but we have two main concerns with this:

1) Are they experienced in EOTs, and how you’ll actually get paid? Many accountants seem to see the valuation piece as a way to boost a client’s ego with the highest possible number. Of course this then means you’re very happy to pay them a decent chunk for doing so. However, if the sale price isn’t affordable for the business, you won’t get paid it, irrespective of how many cells the valuation calculation had!

2) Can your accountant really be independent? Accounting/tax institutes have concerns regarding this. Your accountant’s independence can be hindered by:

• “familiarity” (over time they become too friendly with you), and
• “self-review” (valuation based on figures they themselves prepared).

Question marks over both these things mean your own accountant really shouldn’t be relied upon to provide an independent valuation for your EOT sale.

How do I tell if an EOT is right for my situation?

If you’re unsure, why not work through our EOT Explorer tool. Potentially on your own, with your accountant, or with one of our expert guides where we can also answer all your EOT related questions for a modest fee.

Discover if you're EOT ready