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- Guest Walker Solicitors Secures Its Future with EOT Transition - Advised by Ison Harrison
Guest Walker Solicitors Secures Its Future with EOT Transition - Advised by Ison Harrison
Miles Mudzviti
June 08, 2025
In a strategic move to safeguard its legacy and independence, York-based law firm Guest Walker Solicitors has transitioned to employee ownership via an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) - a model gaining increasing traction among professional service firms across the UK.
Founded in 1981, Guest Walker had been exploring sustainable succession strategies to ensure the long-term stability of the business. Rather than pursuing a merger or external sale, the firm opted for the EOT route - placing control into the hands of a newly formed trust on behalf of its employees.
A Purpose-Driven Transition
The transition, completed with legal guidance from Ison Harrison Solicitors, involved the sale of 100% of the firm’s shares to the EOT. The structure preserves Guest Walker’s client service ethos and internal culture, while rewarding staff and enhancing employee engagement.
Helen Burrows, Director and former shareholder, said:
“We were recommended to Ison Harrison as a reputable firm with first-hand EOT experience. Richard Coulthard’s insight, based on his own journey, was invaluable in navigating both the legal process and regulatory requirements. Their team was not only professional and efficient but also supportive throughout the early days of our transition.”
Legal Expertise Tailored for Employee Ownership
Led by corporate director Richard Coulthard, Ison Harrison’s team delivered comprehensive support, from incorporating the corporate trustee to drafting the governance agreements and securing SRA approval. Their first-hand experience transitioning to employee ownership themselves positioned them uniquely to advise Guest Walker.
“The EOT model offers a practical and ethical solution. It protects business continuity and rewards those who helped build the firm. We’re seeing a rise in interest across sectors—including other legal practices—exploring EO as a succession strategy.”
A Blueprint for the Sector
The shift to employee ownership means Guest Walker will retain its leadership structure, with oversight provided by the EOT’s trustees. Employees don’t purchase shares directly -instead, ownership is held collectively in trust, offering staff the potential for tax-free bonuses up to £3,600 annually (subject to performance).
This marks a meaningful evolution in professional services, where firm culture, continuity, and long-term value are increasingly prioritized over short-term exits.
Closing the Awareness Gap: EO Sector’s Role
This case highlights not only the benefits of EOTs - but also the ongoing need to raise awareness. Too often, firms only learn about employee ownership through peer networks or by chance.
At EO Sector, we are committed to changing that. Our mission is to guide organizations from awareness through understanding to active consideration of employee ownership. We do this by sharing success stories, facilitating peer learning, and working closely with advisors like Ison Harrison to ensure firms have access to the right expertise at the right time.
As more law firms and professional practices explore EOTs as a succession option, strategic awareness and specialist support will be critical in unlocking the potential of employee ownership.