Founders of SA Group, Steve and Adella Jackson, have transferred 100% ownership of the business across to employees through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). There are now around 750 employee owned companies in the UK.

SA Group was founded in 2009 and has grown to over 60 employees boasting a wide range of in-house skills including Systems Engineers, Agile Project Managers, Technical Architects and Cyber Security Advisors.

A range of succession options were considered but employee ownership came out top; safeguarding the vision and culture of the business, maintaining the brand identity, and creating an incentive for employees to be engaged in the growth of the business. SA Group worked with Baxendale Employee Ownership on the transition. Baxendale were chosen because they are specialist advisers on employee ownership who were able to advise on how best to communicate the changes to the employee group, as well as on the financial, legal and governance aspects of the move to employee ownership.

The SA Group Trustee Board will operate in the best interests of the employees and includes trustee directors elected by the employees and an independent chair. Steve Jackson will continue as the CEO of the company.

Steve Jackson, CEO said: “The success of the company so far is down to our loyal and hardworking team, so it was an easy decision to transfer the company over to them. Seeing the business continue is incredibly important to both Adella and I, along with looking after our clients whilst continuing to pursue our vision to enable the future of secure communication with digital expertise.”

Jeremy Osborne, HR Director said: “This transaction works for everyone, the founders, the company and the employees, and the transition represents an exciting new era for SA Group. We’re expanding into new business areas and becoming more diverse. Ambition, growth and inclusivity are among some of the core values of the company and I’m looking forward to seeing what lies ahead.”

To find out more about employee ownership and employee ownership trusts and how they might work for your business, contact Emily Alston emily.alston@baxendale.co.uk