Alternative Exit

Andy
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Alternative Exit is a dedicated to educating small business owners about the possibilities, benefits, and challenges of transitioning to an employee ownership model. There are over 200m SMEs with an owner who will be retiring in the next 10 years, many of which will never find a buyer for their business, forcing them to close their doors.  There is an alternative. This show will explore various the different forms of employee ownership and best practices for successful transitions. Each episode features interviews with experts in employee ownership, business owners who have made the transition, and consultants who facilitate these changes.

  1. Alternative Exit #39 | The Power of EOTs: Creating 3,500 Employee Owners with Christian Wilson

    10월 2일

    Alternative Exit #39 | The Power of EOTs: Creating 3,500 Employee Owners with Christian Wilson

    What does it really take to transition a business to employee ownership—and what happens after you sign on the dotted line? In this episode, I sit down with Christian Wilson, a specialist solicitor with over 25 years of experience in business law and employee ownership. Christian has helped more than 62 companies transition to Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), creating 3,500 employee owners across businesses valued at over £450 million. He shares the legal, emotional, and practical realities of making employee ownership work. Timestamps: 00:01:12 Christian's Journey into Employee Ownership Law  00:04:36 What Makes a Company Right for an EOT  00:08:12 The Three Parts of an EOT Transition  00:12:29 Valuation, Affordability, and the Retirement Conversation  00:19:13 Life After Completion: The Real Work Begins  00:23:23 Why Open Book Management Matters  00:27:07 Giving Employees a Voice and Influence  00:34:23 Success Stories: Real Examples from EOT Companies  00:38:58 Quickfire Round: Leaders, Resources, and Advice Key Takeaways: Employee ownership transitions involve three journeys: legal structure, personal succession for the owner, and cultural evolution for the teamValuation and affordability are different—the company funds the purchase through future profits over 6-10 years typicallyThe day you complete the EOT is day one of being employee owned, not the finish lineOpen book management unlocks entrepreneurial thinking and helps employees understand business trade-offsEmployee voice must be matched with responsive leadership—ask for feedback, then show how you've considered itWell-structured EOTs include flexibility for market changes and unexpected challengesAbout Christian Wilson: Christian Wilson is a Partner Solicitor at Spencer West LLP, specializing in Employee Ownership Trusts and business succession. With over 25 years of experience, he has guided more than 62 companies through successful transitions to employee ownership, creating 3,500 employee owners with a combined business value exceeding £450 million. Christian is ranked as a Leading Individual in Legal 500 and a Notable Practitioner in Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession. He is also a member of the Employee Ownership Association, an independent trustee for several EOTs, and was previously a non-executive director of the Eden Project. Christian is known for his genuine passion for employee ownership and his ability to make complex legal processes accessible and seamless. Connect with Christian Wilson: Website: https://employee-ownership-trusts.co.uk Spencer West Profile: https://www.spencer-west.com/team/christian-wilson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-wilson-a3597017/ Email: christian.wilson@spencer-west.com  Connect with Andy Farquharson: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq Website - https://abettermonday.me/ Email - andy@bettermonday.me

    43분
  2. Alternative Exit #38 | Karen McGuire's Succession: A Deep Dive Into Employee Ownership in Northern Ireland

    9월 25일

    Alternative Exit #38 | Karen McGuire's Succession: A Deep Dive Into Employee Ownership in Northern Ireland

    What happens when personal loss becomes the catalyst for transformative business change?  In this episode, I sit down with Karen McGuire, founder of Relinea, a successful GRP manufacturing company in Northern Ireland that transitioned to employee ownership in 2022. Karen shares her deeply personal journey from building a business over 17 years to making the brave decision to hand it over to her employees after her father's death changed everything. Her story reveals how employee ownership became not just an exit strategy, but a powerful way to preserve culture, protect jobs, and strengthen communities. We explore the remarkable transformation that followed her transition - from initial employee confusion to unprecedented productivity gains, from suggestion boxes full of requests for four-day work weeks to business cases for trolleys that improve efficiency. Karen unpacks the practical realities of implementing Employee Ownership Trusts, the cultural shifts that drive real results, and why she's now leading Employee Ownership Ireland's mission to create 10,000 employee-owners by 2029. This conversation is packed with honest insights for any founder considering alternative exits and reveals why employee ownership is becoming the succession strategy of choice in Northern Ireland. Timestamps:  02:25 Building Relinea and Personal Circumstances That Changed Everything  06:11 Discovering Employee Ownership and Making the Decision  07:43 Telling Employees About the Transition - Reality vs. Expectations  09:13 The Importance of Management Structure in Employee Ownership  11:38 Three Years Later - Performance and Culture Transformation  21:21 Education and Communication Strategies for Employee Ownership  39:15 Employee Ownership Ireland - Building the Movement  43:47 The Future of Employee Ownership in Northern Ireland  47:42 Quick Fire Questions Key Takeaways: How personal loss can redirect business priorities and reveal what truly matters beyond profitWhy M&A meetings left Karen feeling "dirty" while employee ownership aligned with her valuesThe reality gap between owner excitement and initial employee confusion about ownership transitionThe role of succession planning pressures in driving interest in alternative exit strategiesWhy Employee Ownership Ireland aims to prevent any business sale without EO being "on the table"About Karen McGuire: Karen McGuire is the founder of Relinea, a specialist manufacturer of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) structural products based in Crumlin, Northern Ireland. She built the company from 2005 into one of the leading suppliers across the UK and Ireland before transitioning it to 100% employee ownership in 2022. Karen now serves as Chair of Employee Ownership Ireland, a business alliance working to create 10,000 employee-owners in Northern Ireland by 2029. She's recognized for her advocacy of employee ownership as a succession model that preserves business culture and strengthens local communities. Connect with Karen McGuire: Website: https://www.relinea.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-maguire-581b9698/ Employee Ownership Ireland: https://employeeownershipireland.com  Connect with Andy Farquharson: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq Website - https://abettermonday.me/ Email - andy@bettermonday.me

    53분
  3. Alternative Exit #37 | Redesigning Capitalism : How Share Tribe Built A Purpose-First Company

    9월 18일

    Alternative Exit #37 | Redesigning Capitalism : How Share Tribe Built A Purpose-First Company

    What happens when a tech startup realizes that traditional venture capital doesn't align with its mission to democratize platform ownership? In this episode, I sit down with Juho Makkonen, co-founder and CEO of Sharetribe, a Finnish marketplace-building platform that made the bold transition from venture-backed startup to steward-owned company in 2018. Juho shares how a chance encounter at a post-Burning Man event sparked a structural revolution that would preserve Sharetribe's independence and purpose for generations. We explore the practical realities of steward ownership - from negotiating with skeptical investors to creating a governance structure where 19 employees now hold equal voting power. Juho opens up about the unexpected challenges of democratizing decision-making, the financial mechanics of capped returns, and how this alternative ownership model became a competitive advantage in hiring purpose-driven talent. This conversation reveals what it truly means to put mission before profit and the tangible steps any founder can take to protect their company's values in its legal DNA. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview  01:50 What is Steward Ownership?  03:16 Sharetribe's Origin Story and Early Mission  10:17 The Accidental Discovery of Steward Ownership  12:50 Difficult Conversations with Venture Investors  16:40 The Purpose That Drives Democratized Platform Ownership  19:22 The Financial Structure: Capped Returns and Share Classes  24:21 Self-Governance and Democratic Decision-Making  31:18 Profit Distribution and Employee Equity  36:05 Taking Employees on the Ownership Journey  38:17 Low Attrition and Cultural Alignment  40:06 Quick Fire Questions Key Takeaways: Steward ownership combines two core principles: purpose over profit and self-governance by people connected to the company's missionThe transition began when Sharetribe realized they couldn't credibly advocate for platform democratization while being venture-backedInvestors were initially resistant but agreed to a buyout structure when shown it wasn't the company's "golden ticket" opportunityThe financial model uses different share classes - voting shares for employees (no economic rights) and investor shares (no voting power, capped 5x returns)The structure serves as a powerful hiring filter, attracting mission-aligned talent while deterring profit-only motivated candidatesEmployee tenure averages 8+ years with minimal voluntary turnover, demonstrating strong cultural alignmentAbout Juho Makkonen: Juho Makkonen is the co-founder and CEO of Sharetribe, a Finnish marketplace platform that enables anyone to build their own online marketplace. Under his leadership, Sharetribe transitioned from a traditional venture-backed startup to a pioneering steward-owned company in 2018. The company is now owned by 22 team members and funded by its customers - over 1,000 marketplace founders from 70+ countries. Juho is passionate about democratizing platform ownership and creating alternatives to extractive business models. Connect with Juho: Website: www.sharetribe.com Blog: www.sharetribe.com/balanced LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/juhomakkonen Connect with Andy Farquharson: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq Website - https://abettermonday.me/ Email - andy@bettermonday.me

    45분
  4. Alternative Exit #36 | Building Legacy Through Employee Ownership: A Conversation with Robert Postlethwaite

    9월 11일

    Alternative Exit #36 | Building Legacy Through Employee Ownership: A Conversation with Robert Postlethwaite

    What drives a successful corporate lawyer to abandon the mainstream legal world and dedicate their career to democratizing business ownership? In this episode, I sit down with Robert Postlethwaite, partner and managing director of Postlethwaite Solicitors and author of The Employee Ownership Manual. Robert shares his transformation from traditional M&A lawyer to becoming one of the UK's most prominent experts in employee ownership trusts, having guided over 200 companies through the transition to employee ownership. We explore Robert's idealistic twenties decision to seek "a better way of organizing business," his move from Bristol to Leeds to learn from the only other employee ownership specialist in the country, and how environmental concerns shaped his early vision for shared ownership. From the technical challenges of structuring EOTs to the often-overlooked people side of transitions, Robert offers candid insights on what works, what doesn't, and why some businesses simply aren't ready for employee ownership. He also reveals the biggest challenge his own firm faced after becoming employee-owned: leadership succession. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview  01:14 Robert's Background and Journey into Employee Ownership  03:52 Early Employee Ownership Models in the UK  05:02 The Decision to Leave Corporate Law  07:01 Building Collaborative Advisor Networks  08:24 Evolution of EOT Adoption from Evangelical to Pragmatic  11:02 The Role of Tax Incentives vs. Cultural Commitment  12:46 200+ Transactions: Common Owner Motivations  14:08 Transitioning Postlethwaite to Employee Ownership  35:59 When Employee Ownership Isn't the Right Fit Key Takeaways: • Robert's journey from corporate lawyer to EO specialist was driven by wanting "a better way of organizing business" and environmental concerns  • The technical legal aspects are often the "easy bit" - the people side of letting go and leadership succession are the real challenges • Democratic decision-making requires intentional culture change and empowering non-lawyer staff in business decisions • Environmental impact was an early idealistic goal, with some positive examples emerging in sectors like architecture • Employee ownership isn't right for businesses with fundamental trust issues between leadership and staff About Robert Postlethwaite: Robert is the founder and managing director of Postlethwaite Solicitors, a 100% employee-owned legal practice specializing in employee ownership and share schemes. A graduate in law from the University of Bristol, Robert was a partner in a national firm of corporate lawyers before founding Postlethwaite in 2003. He has been a Band 1 Ranked Lawyer for fifteen years in his field by the legal rankings guide Chambers and Partners. Robert is the author of The Employee Ownership Manual and has guided over 200 companies through EOT transitions. Connect with Robert Postlethwaite: Website: https://postlethwaiteco.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robertpostlethwaite Book: The Employee Ownership Manual (Second Edition) Connect with Andy Farquharson: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq Website - https://abettermonday.me/ Email - andy@bettermonday.me

    39분

  5. 9월 4일

    Alternative Exit #35 | From 15 to 340: How Scotland Built a Global EO Powerhouse

    How do you transform an entire country's approach to business succession? In this episode, I sit down with Glen Dott, a specialist advisor in employee ownership at Cooperative Development Scotland, part of Scottish Enterprise. Glen shares the remarkable story of how Scotland went from having just 15 employee-owned businesses to over 340 in less than a decade, making it a global leader in the EO movement. We explore the pivotal role of the Nuttall Review in 2014, the psychology behind why business owners choose employee ownership over traditional exits, and the practical challenges of financing EO deals. From his farming background that sparked his interest in cooperatives to his front-row seat watching Scotland's EO revolution unfold, Glen provides unique insights into what makes successful transitions work and how government support can catalyze grassroots movements. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview  01:11 Glen's Journey to Employee Ownership  02:29 Owner Motivations Beyond Money  03:43 From Farming to Scottish Enterprise  05:20 Glen's Role in EO Advisory  07:25 The Dramatic Growth in EO Awareness  09:39 Consistent Lead Flow and Market Maturity  11:04 Tax Benefits Driving Uptake  12:18 Financing EO Deals - The Reality  20:47 What Makes Successful EO Transitions  25:23 Professional Management vs Entrepreneurial Founders  27:42 The Kemco International Success Story  30:33 Entrepreneurial Orientation in EO Businesses  33:19 Scottish Government Goals and Results  35:19 Accelerating EO Growth - Lessons from Northern Ireland  38:07 Quick Fire Questions  41:51 Where to Connect with Glen Key Takeaways: Why most EO-bound owners have motivations beyond money and want businesses to remain local and intactHow Scotland's EO sector exploded from 15 to 340+ businesses, with 60% being Scottish-headquarteredWhy most EO deals are financed through deferred consideration over 5-10 years rather than bank lendingHow strong company culture and democratic decision-making are prerequisites for successful EO transitionsWhy "Freedom Day" (debt payoff) psychology matters for employee motivation during transition periodsHow Northern Ireland's grassroots, privately-funded approach is accelerating EO growth faster than top-down modelsAbout Glen Dott: Glen is a specialist advisor in employee ownership at Cooperative Development Scotland, a unit within Scottish Enterprise. With a farming background that gave him early exposure to cooperative models, Glen has been instrumental in Scotland's remarkable EO growth story. He manages lead flow for potential EO transitions, supports feasibility studies, and has helped develop Scotland into one of the world's leading EO regions through practical support, market building, and policy development. Connect with Glen: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/glen-dott-512b141a/?originalSubdomain=uk Website: https://scottish-enterprise.com/   Connect with Andy Farquharson: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq Website - https://abettermonday.me/ Email - andy@bettermonday.me

    43분
  6. Alternative Exit #34 | The Future of Employee Ownership and Financial Wellness | John Hoffmire

    8월 28일

    Alternative Exit #34 | The Future of Employee Ownership and Financial Wellness | John Hoffmire

    What happens when a 9-year-old's sense of justice grows into a $2.2 billion investment banking career dedicated to employee ownership? In this episode, I sit down with John Hoffmire, research associate at Oxford's Center for Mutual and Co-owned Business and founder of an investment banking firm that facilitated massive ESOP transactions. John shares his unconventional journey from working with displaced farm workers in California to becoming a leading voice in employee ownership finance, revealing why he chose the challenging path of making employee ownership deals bankable. We explore the financial realities behind employee ownership transitions, from the struggle to raise capital for EO-focused funds to the critical role of "bankable" CEOs in deal success. John opens up about the contradictions of working in high finance while staying true to his mission of economic justice, and introduces a revolutionary concept for expanding employee ownership globally through nonprofit surplus-sharing models. This conversation is packed with hard-won insights for anyone curious about the financial mechanics that make alternative exits possible. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview  01:51 Early Career Path to Employee Ownership  02:10 From California Farm Workers to Finance  05:03 Why John Considers Himself "Lucky"  06:53 From Bain & Company to Investment Banking  08:01 The Discomfort of Corporate Contradictions  09:48 The 9-Year-Old's Revelation About Poverty  11:25 Why Investment Banking for Employee Ownership  20:55 Employee Ownership in Countries Without Tax Support  24:01 Nonprofit Surplus-Sharing as EO Alternative  28:28 The Dignity Principle in Employee Ownership  33:36 Transition from Practitioner to Academic  37:08 Policy Advice: Start with One Case Study  39:53 Quick-Fire Questions  41:37 Contact Information and Wrap-Up Key Takeaways: How childhood experiences with poverty and injustice can shape a lifetime career in economic democracyThe fundamental challenge of raising capital for employee ownership funds when you're giving away majority controlWhy "bankable" leadership matters more than perfect financial structures in EO transitionsThe critical importance of dignity as a first principle in employee ownership designWhy starting with one successful case study beats creating perfect policy frameworksThe role of community organizers in building sustainable employee ownership ecosystemsHow going public became an alternative solution when private fundraising failedAbout John Hoffmire: John Hoffmire is a research associate at the University of Oxford Center for Mutual and Co-owned Business and director of the Center on Business and Poverty. He holds a PhD from Stanford and co-hosts the annual Oxford Symposium on Employee Ownership. John founded an investment banking firm that facilitated approximately $2.2 billion in ESOP transactions and has dedicated his career to promoting inclusive economic development through innovative financial structures and employee ownership. Connect with John: Website: cobap.org Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/john-hoffmire-5999621 Connect with Andy Farquharson: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq Website - https://abettermonday.me/ Email - andy@bettermonday.me

    43분
  7. Alternative Exit #33 | Employee Ownership vs. Traditional Capitalism: Insights from Ian Hiscock

    8월 21일

    Alternative Exit #33 | Employee Ownership vs. Traditional Capitalism: Insights from Ian Hiscock

    What happens when you flip the traditional business pyramid upside down? In this episode, I sit down with Ian Hiscock, founder of IHC Limited and a seasoned voice in the UK employee ownership sector. After 30 years at the iconic John Lewis Partnership, Ian now helps companies navigate the complex transition to employee ownership as an independent trustee and advisor. He shares the psychological shifts, leadership challenges, and cultural transformations that make employee ownership work—or fail. We explore the fundamental mindset changes required from both leaders and employees when transitioning to shared ownership. Ian unpacks his "Four Cs" framework for successful employee engagement, discusses why employee ownership is actually the "purest form of capitalism," and reveals why the transition can be harder for leaders than employees. From managing through tough times to creating psychological safety, this conversation is packed with practical insights for any founder considering an alternative exit strategy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview  01:18 Ian's Journey at John Lewis Partnership  03:39 Understanding the Philosophy Behind Employee Ownership  06:31 Balancing Commercial Success with Employee Benefits  11:49 Protecting Business Independence Through EO  12:59 The Psychological Contract in Employee Ownership  15:23 Inverting the Leadership Pyramid  18:48 The Four Cs: Clarity, Context, Consistency, Contribution  22:25 Creating Psychological Safety for Employee Voice  24:58 Who Struggles More: Leaders or Employees?  29:46 Employee Ownership During Tough Times  34:18 The Twin Tracks: Culture and Financial Reward  36:16 Quick Fire Questions: Leadership Inspirations  41:28 Advice for Business Owners on the Fence  43:06 How to Connect with Ian Key Takeaways: Leaders must psychologically shift to serving daily colleagues who now own the businessThe "Four Cs" framework: Clarity, Context, Consistency, and ContributionEmployee ownership is pure capitalism—spreading ownership benefits, not rejecting commercial successLeaders often struggle more than employees due to emotional obligations to colleaguesPsychological safety must exist organization-wide, not just in specific voice sessionsTwo tracks required: developing ownership culture while ensuring financial rewardsAbout Ian Hiscock: Ian Hiscock is the founder of IHC Limited and a leading voice in the UK employee ownership sector. After spending 30 years at the John Lewis Partnership, including roles as an employee trustee and chair of democratically elected bodies, Ian now serves as an independent trustee on multiple Employee Ownership Trusts. He helps businesses transition their governance, culture, and trust structures toward employee ownership, drawing on deep experience in both the philosophical foundations and practical realities of shared ownership models. Connect with Ian: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ian-hiscock-926437137/ Website: https://ihclimited.co.uk  Connect with Andy Farquharson: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/andyfarq Website - https://abettermonday.me/ Email - andy@bettermonday.me

    44분

  8. 8월 14일 · 보너스

    Oxford Symposium on Employee Ownership Series - Day 3

    Host Andy Farquharson closes out Day 3 of the Oxford Symposium on Employee Ownership with quick hits from the field. From the human side of ownership and employee wellbeing, to governance trade-offs in one-person-one-vote systems, to financing growth via ESOP-style leverage and M&A, this mini-episode captures what’s working, what’s hard, and what’s next for scaling EO worldwide. Key takeaways Center the human/leadership dimension. Ownership mindsets, dignity, and employee wellbeing must be designed—not assumed.“Pilot first, policy next.” Start with a success case to build proof and momentum before pushing for policy.Governance is a muscle. One-person-one-vote can tilt short-term; boards and education must balance long-term stewardship.Finance drives scale. ESOP-style leverage, pension alignment, and M&A can accelerate sector growth when done responsibly.Bottom-up pathways matter. Grassroots entrepreneurship—e.g., women-led cooperatives—can transition into EO and broaden impact.Chapters 00:00 — Host intro: Reflections from Blenheim; empathy, employee voice, and mental health in EO.00:53 — Chantal Carr: From co-ops to EO; start with one success; ambition: a women’s co-op in Kenya transitions to EO.03:26 — Robert Postlethwaite: Candid governance realities; one-person-one-vote and balancing short- vs long-term incentives (Basque case).04:20 — Glen Dott: Financing innovation; interest in ESOP leverage, sector growth via M&A, potential role of AI.06:53 — Outro: What’s next on Alternative Exit: deeper interviews with global EO leaders.Notable quotes Andy: “Let’s design with empathy—employee voice, mental health, and wellbeing are part of the ownership equation.”Chantal: “Go do it first. Build the success case—policy follows evidence.”Robert: “Be honest about governance—employees often favor the short term; structures must protect the long view.”Glen: “To reach the next level, we should learn from ESOP financing and unlock more M&A activity.”Who should listen Owners exploring succession; EO practitioners; policymakers; advisors; leaders building resilient, values-driven companies. Resources & mentions Oxford Symposium on Employee Ownership (event)Hope Arising; Disruptive Giving (Chantal)Postlethwaite Solicitors (Robert)Scottish Enterprise / Co-operative Development Scotland (Glen)Call to action Subscribe to Alternative Exit for deeper, long-form EO conversations.Share this episode with owners or advisors considering employee ownership.Connect with us for case studies and practical transition toolkits.

    8분
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소개

Alternative Exit is a dedicated to educating small business owners about the possibilities, benefits, and challenges of transitioning to an employee ownership model. There are over 200m SMEs with an owner who will be retiring in the next 10 years, many of which will never find a buyer for their business, forcing them to close their doors.  There is an alternative. This show will explore various the different forms of employee ownership and best practices for successful transitions. Each episode features interviews with experts in employee ownership, business owners who have made the transition, and consultants who facilitate these changes.

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  • 제작진
    Andy
  • 방송 연도
    2024년 - 2025년
  • 에피소드
    42
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    무삭제판
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    © 2025 Alternative Exit
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    Alternative Exit

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