Hawsons advises PBA Applied Ecology on transition to Employee Ownership Trust

Leading advisory firm Hawsons Chartered Accountants has advised ecological consultancy PBA Applied Ecology on its successful transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), securing the business's long-term future while handing ownership to the team behind its success.

Founded by ecologist Paul Bradley, PBA Ecology has built a strong reputation for delivering expert ecological and environmental services across infrastructure, planning, water and conservation sectors. The move to employee ownership reflects the business’s values-led approach and marks a strategic step towards future resilience and continuity.

The transaction was led by Peter Wilmer (Managing Partner and Head of Corporate Finance) and Ellie Wilcockson (Corporate Finance Executive) at Hawsons, who worked closely with the founder to shape a structure aligned with both the company’s values and commercial objectives.

Paul Bradley, Founder of PBA Applied Ecology, commented:

“Creating an EOT wasn’t simply a succession decision, it was about securing the essence of what makes PBA Applied Ecology different. Our people are central to our success, and this structure ensures their contributions are recognised and rewarded over the long term. Hawsons were superb throughout, thoughtful, responsive and strategic. Their expertise in employee ownership made a real difference.”

Hawsons is recognised for its growing specialism in advising owner-managed businesses on EOT transitions. The firm’s Corporate Finance team has supported a number of successful employee ownership projects across sectors, providing clients with tailored advice that balances legacy preservation with future growth.

Ellie Wilcockson, Corporate Finance Executive at Hawsons, added:

“PBA Applied Ecology is a business with purpose, one that blends commercial expertise with positive environmental impact. Structuring an EOT that could protect that identity while enabling long-term scalability was essential. Every EOT is unique, and our role is to ensure the structure not only fits the business but supports its next chapter.”

Legal advice on the transaction was provided by Stephen Newman at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP, who commented: “We were very pleased indeed to be able to assist Paul in meeting his objectives, and to be able to work once again with Hawsons. An EOT is not the solution to every succession issue, but it ticks all the right boxes in this case, and I hope that PBA Applied Ecology goes from strength to strength under its new stewardship.”

The environmental consultancy sector continues to expand across the UK, driven by growing demand for sustainability-led services. The industry has over 7,170 active firms, with a current market value estimated at £2.5 billion​. As businesses seek to align commercial goals with environmental stewardship, employee-owned consultancies are increasingly seen as models for sustainable growth and values-driven leadership. (IBISWorld, Environmental Consultants in the UK – Market Size 2024, accessed April 2025).