How others made their exit better
Every owner’s reasons are different, but the goal is usually the same: exit well, on your terms, without wrecking what you built. Three owners who did it through an Employee Ownership Trust, in their own words — why they chose it, what worried them, and what changed.
Commercial cleaning
Blue Shield Cleaning
Richard Martin, former owner
Why an EOT
We’d been thinking for a while about what would come next for Blue Shield. The company’s grown a lot over the years, and I’ve always felt a responsibility to the people who’ve helped build it. Selling to an outsider just didn’t sit right — we didn’t want to see everything we’ve worked for turned into something unrecognisable. An Employee Ownership Trust felt like a fairer, more meaningful way to hand things over to the people who actually care — the ones doing the work every day.
What worried us
I won’t lie, we had our doubts. It’s a big shift, and we weren’t sure how people would react or whether we were making the right call. But Exit Better made a huge difference. They were straightforward, easy to talk to, and clearly knew their stuff. They didn’t treat us like just another client — they listened, explained everything clearly, and kept things moving without pressure. The whole process was much smoother than we’d expected.
What changed
Since making the move, we’ve noticed a real change in the team. People feel more connected to the business, speak up more, and take more pride in their work. It didn’t happen overnight, but there’s definitely a new energy around the place. Not everyone got it straight away, but once we explained it properly, most people saw it for what it was — us choosing them over a quick sale. Looking back, I’m glad we did it, and I’d recommend both the EOT and Exit Better to anyone thinking about doing the same.
Veterinary practice
Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic
Peter Herold, former owner
Why an EOT
We started looking into an Employee Ownership Trust because we wanted to secure the future of the business without losing what made it special. Staying independent was important, but just as important was protecting the values we’ve always stood for — compassion, client focus, and community. The EOT felt like a natural fit for that. It wasn’t just a financial move; it was a way to keep the culture intact and let the team carry it forward.
What worried us
Of course, we had concerns. Would the team understand it? Would it be too disruptive? Could we afford it long-term? But working with Exit Better made all the difference. They didn’t just focus on the numbers — they understood our purpose and shaped the whole process around us. Everything was clear, collaborative, and paced just right. It surprised us how smooth it all was, and we were struck by how rare EOTs are in our industry. It felt like we were doing something new — setting a precedent, even.
What changed
Since the transition, we’ve seen real, tangible benefits: stronger engagement, better retention, and a deeper sense of shared purpose. The team’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive, even if not everyone understood every detail straight away. But what mattered most was that they trusted us — and appreciated that we’d kept the business independent. Looking back, we’re proud of the choice we made, and we’d recommend both the EOT and Exit Better to any values-driven business considering its next steps.
Opticians
Emporium Eyewear
Joel Cohen, former owner
Why an EOT
We chose to explore an Employee Ownership Trust because we were looking for a way to secure the company’s future without compromising its values. Selling to an outside buyer never felt like the right move. The EOT gave us a way to reward the people who’ve built the business with us and keep the company independent. It felt like the most authentic way to protect our legacy and give something back to the team.
What worried us
Naturally, we had concerns at first — especially around how the structure worked, the tax implications, and whether the team would really get behind it. But working with Exit Better made all the difference. We’d worked with them before and trusted their advice, and their 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. Nothing felt rushed or confusing.
What changed
Since making the transition, we’ve seen a boost in morale and a noticeable increase in collaboration across the business. The team reacted positively — the EOT gave them a real sense of stability and pride in the company. Looking back, we’d absolutely recommend the EOT model to other business owners who care about their people and their legacy. And if you’re going down that route, Exit Better are the ones to have by your side.
What they have in common
None of these owners started with the tax. Each of them had a business worth keeping intact, a team worth rewarding, and a sale to an outsider that never felt right. The EOT gave them a buyer that was already in the building, a price at market value, and a way to step back without walking away. That is what "keep its soul" means in practice — and it is the first question we ask about your business too.
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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