Putting our employees at the heart of our business.
Today marks the start of an exciting new phase for our company, with our transformation into an entirely employee-owned business. This follows the retirement of our founder and former MD, Paul Crudge, who has handed over the business he built up over 20 years to all our employees, within a trust.
From today, Friday 4th March 2022, we have become an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) business. Each member of our workforce is now a beneficiary of the EOT, which will hold shares on their behalf as long as they remain an employee of the company. They have a 'vested interest' in the performance and outcomes of the company.
An established and successful business, with 350 customers worldwide, we have joined a host of other companies nationwide which have adopted this ownership model since it was first introduced by the Government in 2014. Renowned EOTs include John Lewis Partnership, Richer Sounds, and Aardman Animations.
An experienced new board has now been formed, consisting of a new CEO, Geoff Coote, and two non-executive directors, Ian Traynor and Stephen Blank, who will also be Chair. The strong senior management team will continue to manage the day to day operations and commercial aspects of the business, with input from an Employee Advisory Council (EAC). This Council will consist of a number of employees, including a Chair and a representative of each department, enabling its members to listen, record and influence the management team.
Equally, we will listen and record the views and input from our customers as we progress the business in the combined interests of employees and customers.
Geoff says “After almost 20 years with Pro-Networks, I am delighted to announce that I will be taking up the role of CEO within the company. I will be supported by the new board along with a strong senior management team, with Leanne Tutill as financial controller, Simon Gainey as sales manager, Carl Jarvis as customer service and marketing manager, and Zig Kruschke as the support manager."
"There will be no changes to our terms and conditions, or in the way we work with our customers. Our name, the industry-leading service we deliver, our company number, and all other financial dealings with our customers and partners remain the same. Our focus will be more aligned with the employee/customer relationship - which is in our combined interests.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Paul all the best during his retirement. Meanwhile, it remains our absolute pleasure to support and service all of our customers, with our interests now more aligned than ever. We remain focused on supporting our customers and delivering outstanding service and support.”
For more information on Employee-Owned Trusts please see the following information on the Government website :
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employee-ownership-company-model-documentation