EOT adviser in St James London

Andy Oliver – Andy Oliver Consulting

Andy Oliver is founder and principal advisor at Andy Oliver Consulting, working with agency founders and leadership teams across growth, transformation, succession, M&A and exit. With 30+ years building and leading agencies globally, he helps founders achieve their vision of success, including those exploring an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Growth and exit readiness expertise

Andy's advisory work centres on preparing agencies, and their people, for the next stage of ownership. Using his Growth Blueprint methodology (Discover, Define, Deliver, Develop), he helps leadership teams build the strong foundations, repeatable ways of working and stable client relationships that make a business "match fit" for succession and exit, whether that's an EOT, trade sale or another route.

Background and experience

Andy has spent 30 years across agency and in-house communications roles, including senior positions at LEWIS Global Communications, Gain Theory (WPP) and IFS, where as SVP Corporate Communications he built and led agency operations across the US and Asia Pacific for the €15bn PE-backed technology company. At Selbey Anderson he advised on acquisition integration and international expansion. His experience spans B2B and B2C agencies, giving him a rounded view of what founders need to consider when planning the next stage of ownership.

How Andy works with Go EO

Andy works in partnership with Go EO on EOT transactions. Go EO handles the technical side of the sale, including valuation, legal documentation, tax clearance and trust registration. Andy's role is the broader transition: helping agency leadership teams build the foundations and readiness to thrive under employee ownership.

What is an Employee Ownership Trust?

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a way for a business owner to sell their company to their employees. Rather than selling to a trade buyer or private equity, the founder sells their shares to a trust, which holds them on behalf of the current employees. The employees do not pay for the shares personally; the business repays the founder from future profits. It's a way for a company to retain its independence and culture.

Which businesses suit an EOT?

EOTs tend to suit businesses whose value sits in their people and client relationships rather than physical assets, which is exactly the shape of most agencies. A business with strong leadership beneath the founder, repeatable ways of working and a stable client base is usually the best fit. It's less suited to a business that's still entirely dependent on one person to win and hold onto clients.