Blog - Postlethwaite Solicitors

Finance Act 2025: What HMRC’s New Guidance Means for EOT Transactions

Topics:

Employee Ownership Employee Ownership Trust News

HMRC has issued updated Guidance following changes to Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) introduced in the Finance Act 2025. While some welcome clarifications have been provided, key uncertainties remain—particularly around funding, trustee independence, and partial sales. In this post, we explore the implications of the Guidance and highlight the potential tax risks that companies and sellers should be aware of when navigating EOT transactions under the new rules.

14/05/2025

What happens when an EOT comes to an end?

Topics:

Employee Ownership Employee Ownership Trust

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is designed for long-term employee ownership, but what happens when it reaches the end of its life? This blog explores why an EOT might unravel, key decisions trustees must make, and the options available—including company sales, asset disposals, and legal considerations. Learn how to navigate the process while protecting employee interests.

03/04/2025

Chancellor to make investing in private companies and selling shares acquired through options easier

Topics:

CSOP EMI News Share Schemes

The Government is launching the PISCES trading platform this spring, enabling private companies to trade shares with investors without a full public listing. New EMI/CSOP schemes can use PISCES for share option exercises, but existing schemes cannot be amended.

26/03/2025

The Third Annual Employee-Owned Law Firm Conference

Topics:

Employee Ownership Events Law Firm

We were delighted to host the third annual Employee-Owned Law Firm Conference at Armourers’ Hall, bringing together EO law firms and those exploring the model. The day featured insightful discussions on succession planning, employee engagement, leadership, and branding, plus an inspiring workshop on purpose-driven leadership. The evening concluded with a brilliant after-dinner talk by Graeme Nuttall OBE….

Companies House Changes: What You Need To Know

Topics:

Law Firm News

Major changes are coming to Companies House under the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Stricter ID verification, enhanced transparency, and new compliance requirements will impact businesses from 2025 onwards. Read on to stay ahead of the reforms…

12/02/2025

Exploring the future of business at the Employee Ownership Association’s (EOA) annual conference

Topics:

Employee Ownership Employee Ownership Trust Events News

Practice Manager and Employee Trustee, Lorna Martin reflects on her experience at the eoa’s annual conference. From thought-provoking sessions on culture, AI, and succession planning to powerful success stories and engaging networking events, the conference provided valuable insights into the growing impact of employee ownership….

EOT Transitions and EMI Schemes: Overcoming Key Practical and Technical Hurdles

Topics:

CSOP EMI Employee Ownership Employee Ownership Trust Share Schemes

This blog explores the practical and technical hurdles business owners must navigate, both before and after becoming employee-owned. From the exercise of existing options and tax implications to ensuring EMI eligibility and structuring post-EOT incentives, careful planning is crucial….

04/12/2024

The Autumn Budget – impact on employee ownership trusts

Topics:

Employee Ownership Employee Ownership Trust News

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out her first Budget on Wednesday 30th October. There was some speculation that the beneficial tax treatment of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) could be reduced in the backwash of a general increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates. Although the 0% CGT rate for disposals to EOTs remains unchanged, there are a number of significant changes taking effect for EOT disposals on or after Budget day…..

30/10/2024

Chambers & Partners 2025 – top rankings for the firm and our lawyers

Topics:

Employee Ownership Law Firm News Share Schemes

We have once again achieved a Band 1 ranking in the Chambers & Partners 2025 legal guide in the Employee Share Schemes & Incentives: Employee Ownership category and three of our lawyers have been ranked in band 1…

17/10/2024

Help us understand what you want, need & expect from a law firm

Topics:

Law Firm News

We’re are always looking at ways to improve the way we serve our clients. To ensure we are always aligned with your needs, we are participating in national research aimed at understanding what clients value most when working with lawyers and law firms… if you’re a past client, please take 8 minutes to fill in the anonymous survey…

15/10/2024