North west England-based law firm Evolve Family Law has become an employee-owned business in order to preserve its future independence.
The business, which was established in 2015 by founding directors Robin Charrot and Louise Halford (pictured) and has offices in Holmes Chapel and Whitefield, is now 100% owned by a newly established employee ownership trust. This will ensure that the interests of its 13 members of staff are looked after.
According to the firm, both founding directors will continue to play an active and long-term role as it pursues further growth as part of the employee ownership transition, which was supported by the corporate team at law firm Brabners and led by partner and employee ownership specialist Stephen Hadlow.
Charrot said: “Over the past seven years, we’ve grown the firm sustainably while bringing new people into the fold to share in our success. Our priority has always been looking after our clients and co-workers rather than maximising profit, and that sentiment has been at the core of our decision to become an employee-owned business, which will provide a platform for everyone to contribute and benefit as Evolve grows in the future.
“Louise and I could have sold the firm to an outside party, but we decided that this would not provide the best outcome for our clients or our staff. We have no plans to step away from the business, so we’re looking forward to helping Evolve prosper under employee ownership while we continue to support clients with transparent, trusted advice for years to come.”
Hadlow added: “At a time when markets continue to consolidate, this offers a route for businesses to preserve their independence and culture, as well as create a long-term, sustainable pathway for succession. With businesses putting a greater focus on their employees and wellbeing, we’re expecting more and more firms to move to employee ownership models in the coming months.”