EOT adviser in East Sussex

Chris Piper – Barnsgate Solutions

Chris Piper is the founder of Barnsgate Solutions, a multi-award-winning M&A advisory firm specialising in business valuation, exit planning and ownership transitions. He works with business owners who want clarity about what their company is genuinely worth, and advice on protecting and growing that value over time.

EOT transaction experience

Chris has worked alongside Go EO on a number of EOT transactions, supporting business owners through the sale process from initial valuation through to completion. His background spans M&A advisory, exit planning and ownership transitions, and he brings a legal grounding alongside his commercial expertise.

EOT expertise

For owners where an EOT is the right route, Chris brings a thorough, commercially focused approach to the process. Barnsgate Solutions often gets involved well before a transaction is on the horizon, identifying value drivers, reducing risk, and ensuring the business is in the strongest possible position when the time comes. Chris acts as a trusted adviser throughout, from initial valuation and strategic planning through to negotiation and completion, with offices in Battle, East Sussex and Manchester providing UK-wide coverage.

How Chris works with Go EO

Chris works in partnership with Go EO on EOT transactions where employee ownership is the chosen exit route. Go EO handles the technical side of the sale — valuation, legal documents, tax clearance and trust registration. Chris's role is the broader advisory picture: helping founders understand their options, position the business correctly, and approach the transaction with confidence.

What is an Employee Ownership Trust?

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a form of business exit that transfers shares to a trust on behalf of employees, rather than to an external buyer. The founder receives fair value for their business, repaid from future profits, while employees benefit from any surplus and the business retains its independence.

It's one of the most tax-efficient exit routes available to UK business owners.

Why sell your business to an EOT?

From a financial planning perspective, an EOT offers a good tax perk. Qualifying EOT sales can benefit from Capital Gains Tax relief on up to 50% of sale proceeds. Plus, the first £3,600 of any profit share payments made to staff are free from income tax.

But the financial case is only part of the picture. An EOT also means the business stays independent, employees share in future profits, and the founder's legacy is preserved. It's a commercially sensible exit that also feels like the right thing to do.