Employee Ownership Ireland has significantly boosted its advisory network with the addition of a number of well-known advisers to its Feasibility Study Panel. Businesses considering employee ownership as part of their succession planning can now access more specialist expertise through DfE (Department for the Economy) fully funded feasibility studies.
The panel now boasts A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP, Baxendale Employee Ownership and TLT LLP alongside Co-ownership Solutions LLP and Maneely Mc Cann Chartered Accountants.
Together, the new panel members bring extensive experience in employee ownership, business valuation, succession planning, tax, legal structures, finance and governance. They have supported hundreds of businesses across the UK to explore, transition to and thrive under employee ownership.
The growing adviser panel reflects increased interest in employee ownership as a succession option. Recent research commissioned by Employee Ownership Ireland found that nearly 60% of Northern Ireland business owners in a snapshot poll would like to find out more about employee ownership.
The feasibility studies are fully funded by the Department for the Economy and provide businesses with more than three days of specialist consultancy support. There is no obligation to proceed with employee ownership following the study.
Karen Maguire, Chair of Employee Ownership Ireland, said:
“Business owners increasingly want to understand the full range of succession options available to them. Our research shows there is a strong appetite for more information about employee ownership, and the adviser community is responding to that demand.
“The inclusion of five highly experienced firms significantly strengthens the depth and breadth of expertise available through our feasibility study programme. Business owners can access specialist, independent advice to help them understand whether employee ownership could work for their company, without any obligation to take the process further.
“This is an opportunity to properly explore employee ownership, understand what it could mean for the business, its owners and employees, and make an informed decision about the future.”
Businesses interested in applying for a fully funded feasibility study can find out more via the Employee Ownership Ireland website.