An employee-owned business is one where the employees, rather than external shareholders, hold the majority of shares, either directly or through an Employee Ownership Trust. If you are interested in exploring employee ownership for you and your business, Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) can provide funded support from an experienced adviser.

They will help you consider employee ownership as an exit strategy. They will also review all succession options open to your business.

Where employee ownership is identified as a potential exit strategy, they will carry out an employee ownership feasibility study. This report will examine potential ownership structures and look at governance, management, funding and how a transition would occur.

Yes, if you’re a business based in Scotland.

This is a funded and impartial service.

Anyone making long term plans for their business or thinking about selling their business. 

You can access up to four days of support. An experienced adviser will help to explore your options.

Once you've submitted your enquiry one of their specialists will be in touch to discuss your needs. 

To help inform this discussion they will ask for a copy of your business plan and, if available, the last three years' of your company accounts.

Submit an enquiry and an adviser will be in touch to discuss your needs.