Sell your business, keep its soul. Half the gain tax-free.
Over 87 owners already have, now it’s your turn.
With our guidance, you can:
Retain continuity for clients and employees
Safeguard your business culture
Sell your business tax-efficiently
(50% Capital Gains Tax relief — an effective 12%)
Thinking of stepping back?
Why more owners are choosing Employee Ownership Trusts
An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) lets you sell your business to your employees with 50% Capital Gains Tax relief — an effective 12% for most sellers, against 24% on a trade sale. No private equity. No trade buyers. No lost legacy.
Since 2014, employee-owned businesses have grown from a handful to close to 3,000 in the UK. Founders are seeing the benefits.
At JLA, we’ve delivered 87+ EOTs. We know what works — and what really matters. With us, you can:
- Get paid full market value
- Pay an effective 12% CGT, not 24% (if you qualify — most do)
- Leave the business in good hands
- Keep your clients and team intact
What’s an Employee Ownership Trust?
An EOT is a Government-backed setup where a company’s shares are transferred into a trust that benefits all employees. You sell a controlling stake (at least 51%), and the business continues running as usual.
Your staff don’t need to buy in. The company funds the sale, often over time. You walk away with a clean deal — and Capital Gains Tax on only half the gain.
Why do owners go this route?
Leave a legacy
You want the business and its name to outlive you, built on by the people who made it.
Read their stories →No successor
There is no family successor and no trade buyer, and you need a way out that works.
Family business succession →Reward the team
The people who run the business should own it — without having to find the money.
EOT vs management buyout →Tax efficiency
You want the most tax-efficient way to take value out on exit.
EOT vs trade sale →A decision forced on you
An offer has landed or a sale has collapsed, and you need a route that completes.
EOT vs trade sale →Keep control
You want to take value out and step back gradually, not be out the door on completion.
The EOT process →
We know the tax
Accountants, not brokers. We get the numbers right.
We keep it practical
No fluff. We’ll tell you what’s possible and what’s not.
We go beyond handover
We handle briefings, trustees, and repayments. Everything.
No guesswork on price
Fixed fees, clear scope. No nasty surprises.
Whether you’re 12 months or five years out, we’ll help you figure out what’s next.
Key Benefits
What’s in it for you, them, and the business?
For founders:
- Sell up. Pay Capital Gains Tax on only half the gain.
- Exit cleanly, or gradually — your choice
- No outside buyers to answer to
- Keep the team, keep the reputation
For employees:
- Ownership mindset, without needing to invest
- Tax-free bonuses (up to £3,600/year)
- A reason to stay, and to care
For business:
- Steady hands at the wheel
- Morale boost without rebranding the mugs
- Good story to tell — to clients, staff, and press
- Room to grow, not shrink
At JLA, we specialise in helping owners sell their business to employees in a way that creates lasting impact. With an EOT advisor UK by your side, you’ll unlock the full benefits while avoiding costly mistakes.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Don’t just take our word for it — hear from founders who chose to sell their business to employees through a structured employee ownership trust, guided by JLA.
“We had our doubts, but Exit Better made a huge difference! They were straightforward, easy to talk to, and clearly knew their stuff. I’d recommend them to anyone thinking about doing the same.”
Richard MBlue Shield Cleaning “Since the transition, we’ve seen stronger engagement, better retention, and a deeper sense of shared purpose. Exit Better didn’t just focus on the numbers — they understood our purpose and shaped the whole process around us.”
Peter HCornerstone Veterinary Clinic “Exit Better’s knowledge of EOTs was clear from the start. They guided us through the process with a structured, hands-on approach that made everything feel manageable and clear.”
Joel CEmporium Eyewear
Want to explore an EOT?
We’ll walk you through the basics. No pressure. No commitments.
- Free call
- Clear advice
- Real numbers
Takes 60 seconds. You’ve got nothing to lose.
Written by Parag Patel | Strategy and Tax Planning Consultant
Parag leads the Exit Better team at JLA Accountants, advising owners on employee ownership, succession and the tax that comes with both.
About the team