The founders of BDP Imports Holdings Ltd (T/A Bramblecrest) have announced a recent development of the business’ ownership.

The founders will retain a minority interest with the majority of shares being held by a newly established Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The sale completed on March 3rd, 2023.

An EOT is a trust which acquires and holds a controlling interest in a company for the benefit of its employees, giving the effect of employee ownership, without directly owning or buying shares.

Bramblecrest was founded in 2000 and the Founders want to ensure that the business not only retains the values that have made the company successful but also continues to provide opportunities for its employees. For the past 23 years, the business has benefited from prudent and considered planning. The founders believe that an EOT structure is the best way to secure the long-term success of the business for its 58 employees. The founders will maintain a minority shareholding within the business and are planning to remain active directors as the business transitions to Employee Ownership.

This exciting move to employee ownership allows the business to remain independent, resilient, and sustainably financed enabling it to continue to supply its loyal customer base with high quality products and customer service. It is a long-term arrangement which means that the founders maintain a serious commitment to the business for the foreseeable future.

By giving the staff this reassurance and by placing the employees at the heart of the business, the founders sincerely hope and expect that the new structure will create fresh opportunities and a new energy. The Bramblecrest founders added: “We are working to ensure that the growth and success we have benefitted from to date, is the foundation for further expansion in the years to come. It’s therefore business as usual as we focus on continuing to do what we do well”.