Showcase: Explore pluses of employee ownership

SUCCESSION is an issue facing many of Shetland’s businesses – what to do with the business when the owner is looking to move on?

There is a succession option fast growing in popularity. By selling into an employee ownership structure, a business owner can achieve a fair market value and dictate the pace of their own exit, allow the employees to take control of their own destiny, and secure the future of the business in Shetland.

Business Gateway is hosting a free two-day event on 14 and 15 March to enable business owners to explore this further.

On the first day, which will be held in Lerwick Town Hall between 5pm and 7pm, employee ownership expert Carole Leslie will talk through the processes involved and two former business owners will tell their stories: Juliet Nicolson from Shetland Vets and Dennis Overton OBE from Alness-based Aquascot.

Attendees will also hear from event partners Shetland Islands Council and HIE, who will detail the business support on offer.

Businesses interested in finding out more can make an appointment for a one-to-one meeting with Carole Leslie on Tuesday 15 March.

Commenting on the event, Neil Henderson from Business Gateway Shetland said: “Research has shown that employee owned businesses can not only be profitable and productive but they also have a happier workforce.

“This two-day conference will give Shetland businesses the perfect opportunity to explore the idea in more detail.”

No booking is required for the evening event, however businesses looking to make an appointment with Carole Leslie should contact Business Gateway through www.bgateway.com/shetland or call (01595) 707451.