A well-established Leicestershire-based commercial joinery company has secured a seven-figure Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facility through Navigate Commercial Finance to fund the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
The business specialises in high-quality fit-outs for premium hotels, retail spaces, and offices. The Managing Director wanted to implement an EOT structure so the company could be owned by its employees, rewarding their contribution and securing its long-term future.
Given that Employee Ownership Trusts remain a relatively new concept for many lenders, finding the right funding partner was critical. Our team identified a supportive lender who fully understood the EOT mechanics, recognised the business’s strong management, consistent profitability, and solid future prospects.
Working closely with both the lender and the management team, we guided the transaction smoothly from initial discussions through to completion in just 10 weeks. During the process, the funder increased the loan amount and improved the interest rates — a clear endorsement of the business and its vision.
This strategic funding has enabled the successful establishment of the EOT, aligning employee and company interests while providing a stable platform for continued growth and excellence in the high-end joinery and fit-out sector.
