A Manchester-based communications and digital agency has become an employee-owned business
C21, which has a turnover of more than £1m, specialises in design, digital and video communications for clients across the 海角视频 and globally including The Co-operative Bank and Byrom which organises hospitality, tickets and accommodation to major sporting events across the world.
The company has now established a new employee ownership trust (EOT), which will own 100% of the business.
The deal provides a structured succession plan for the firm’s founder, Christina Clarke, who established C21 in 1998 and has since grown its client portfolio across healthcare, hospitality management, business-to-business, social housing, charity and the public sector.
She will remain in her current executive role to oversee an effective transition, with plans in place for her to become chair in future.
Christina Clarke said: "This landmark moment for the business represents and rewards almost 25 years of teamwork, passion and dedication to supporting our clients.
Don't miss a thing - sign up for your free North West newsletter - and follow us on LinkedIn
Email newsletters
BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts.
You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss.
Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.
For all the latest stories, views, polls and more - and the news as it breaks - .
"It also provides an opportunity for the team to take the next step in their careers and ensure our service to clients continues to strengthen and grow. Employee ownership was the clear and obvious future for our business – this will make a material difference to our staff, protect the agency’s independence and commitment to clients, whilst providing the stability of a gradual and clear transition to new leadership.
Most Read
"I knew I was in the best hands with Brabners. Not every legal team out there understands the commercial, service-led sector that C21 operates in – nor the relationships we have and value with our clients and colleagues.
"The support I’ve received has been invaluable and I’m thrilled that, the future of the business is now secure."
C21 was advised by Brabners’ specialist employee ownership team, led by partner Stephen Hadlow.
He added: "As a growing number of firms transition to employee-owned business models, we’re seeing continued interest from boards and owner-managers who want to secure the future independence of the business.
"The EOT model ultimately safeguards successful cultures within firms, rewards staff and provides a framework for long-term growth. While employee-ownership might not be right for all businesses, there is currently no other exit route which focuses strongly on these objectives.
"Congratulations to everyone at C21 Creative, we wish them every success for the next stage in the agency’s growth."