Manchester based giftware importer and distributor Joe Davies has announced today (29 January) that it is to become a 100% employee-owned business. The shareholding of the business will be held by the Joe Davies Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for the benefit of all employees.
The existing management team remains in place, headed up by ceo Steve Davies – it was Steve’s great grandfather Joe who set up the business 105 years ago.
“I am very proud to be able to say that the transition of the company to a 100% employee-owned business will see Joe Davies being run, and owned, by the very people that make Joe Davies what it is,” states Steve.
“While I’m not retiring any time soon, and my dad Peter is still very much involved with Joe Davies, there is no fifth generation of family coming through. For Peter and I, an EOT is the perfect solution to secure our staff’s livelihoods and to look after my grandpa Joe’s legacy. This allows Joe Davies to continue in its own special way and serve our lovely customers for many years to come. While employee ownership is not new, with perhaps the most famous example being John Lewis, it is one of the fastest growing ownership models in the UK.”
Adds managing director Paul Hooker: “The whole team at Joe Davies are immensely proud and honoured to be with the company as we transition to being an employee-owned business. Day to day this will ensure that there isno change in the way we operate or shift in our values.”
The deal has been some time in its preparation, with the business guided and supported by both the Employee Ownership Association and advisors Baxendale Employee Ownership, a specialist law firm who have been helping companies transition for over 14 years.
Simon Everingham of Baxendale comments: “Joe Davies really are the perfect fit for the EOT model and have enthusiastically embraced the process. It’s been a real pleasure helping them to take the next step on their journey, which protects the legacy of the family and all that makes the company so special.”
It is expected the deal will complete in early February. For full details please contact Joe Davies on 0161 975 6300.
The company will be at Spring Fair, NEC, from February 4-7, in Hall 4 Stand C10/D11.
Top: Steve Davies, (back row, fourth on the right) and Paul Hooker, (centre) with the Joe Davies team at Autumn Fair. The company has become a 100% employee-owned business.
