AEC transition to an Employee-Owned Trust

AEC are taking their staff to the next level through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

EOT’s have been hailed by successive Governments since their inception in 2014, and are rapidly being recognised for their ability to help to unlock the potential of employees, business and the economy. There are over 1400 EOT’s in the UK, contributing over £30billion in GDP, according to the The Employee Ownership Association (EOA).

In its 27th year in the business, the new company formation is an integral part of AEC’s ambitious growth plans for the future. Established in 1997 by founders Robert Harris and Mandy Reid to provide asbestos consultancy, AEC today has over 130 full-time staff working to provide services across asbestos, Legionella and water hygiene, occupational hygiene, fire safety health and safety, and it is one of the leading training providers within the industry, training over 3,000 delegates each year.

The new AEC Trust model means that employees of AEC now benefit from a significant stake in the company, allowing them to be more involved, informed and committed to the company and share in its success. It means that employees are given a ‘voice’ and company’s legacy, and core values are entrusted to those people at the heart of the business.

Mandy Reid, Director, Airborne Environmental Consultants Ltd (AEC), said, “At the heart of AEC has always been a key focus on how we look after our staff and customers, and it was very important to me that we continued to protect the legacy of what we had built and that we also secured the future growth plans for the company.  All of the AEC team, whatever their role in the business, are in control of their destiny”.

It also supports a robust succession plan for our founders and the future, Bob Harris, Director, Airborne Environmental Consultants Ltd (AEC) explains,” Under the new ownership structure, the trust will ensure the company continues to operate with a common goal and that we put in place the framework to secure the longevity of the company for the future.  After 27 years of building the business, it was important when considering the move to an EOT that we were able to allow all of our staff to feel the benefits of their success”.

The entire team at AEC are excited about the future for the company and working with all of our colleagues to encourage innovative thinking and shared core values. The transition marks a commitment to delivering exceptional services for clients and a rich, fulfilling employment for all employees.