Hawsons advise on Spawforths move to Employee Ownership

Hawsons Corporate Finance had the pleasure of supporting Spawforths, a masterplanning and architectural consultancy based in Wakefield during their transition into employee ownership. The Wakefield-based company works on an array of development projects, spanning from one-off developments to new towns. The firm is currently taking more than £12 billion-worth of projects through the planning system, including the creation of 25 million sq ft of commercial space and 40,000 homes across the North and Midlands.

The Hawsons Corporate Finance Team, led by Pete Wilmer and Jack Ware, acted as lead advisors to Spawforths in its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust. Legal advice on the transaction was provided by James Burdekin at MD Law.

This deal will allow the firm’s 22 employees to share in the future success and growth of the business as they all become beneficiaries of the trust. The EOT structure will enable the current directors to manage operations which will be supported by a board of trustees that include three employee representatives. This will give the employees the opportunity to have an impact on the company’s strategic direction.

Spawforths chairman Dave Rolinson said: "This transition marks a new chapter for Spawforths. By becoming an employee-owned company, we are not only investing in our team but also in our future growth. Our employees are at the heart of our success, and this move reinforces our commitment to shared prosperity and inclusive growth."

The transition to employee ownership is expected to increase the company’s capabilities and reputation in the industry. Furthermore, transitioning to employee ownership aligns with the company’s ethos of collaboration and community impact.

Demand in the global consultancy market has been growing in recent years, making consultancies highly-sought after acquisition targets. However, it is important to be aware of the alternative succession options as management buyouts and employee ownership can be great succession options when looking to maintain ethos, brand and workforce.