In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the appropriateness of employee ownership trusts (EOTs) for accountancy practices.

The majority of mid-tier accountancy and audit firms are still structured as limited liability partnerships. But, with nearly half of firms citing succession planning as a critical talent challenge, and private equity investors taking more interest in the sector, some firms are now looking at other options.

Philippa Lamb explores the key issues with Graeme Nuttall OBE, author of 2012’s Nuttall Review into employee ownership and International Ambassador for the Employee Ownership Association; Simon Blake, Head of Strategic Corporate Finance at Price Bailey; and Peter Hollis, whose firm recently became an EOT.

Links 

• ICAEW: Employee ownership: https://www.icaew.com/technical/business/business-start-up-and-finance/employee-ownership 
• Insight: employee ownership trusts: https://www.icaew.com/technical/corporate-finance/corporate-finance-resources/corporate-financier/2025/articles/february/insight-employee-ownership-trusts 

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Graeme Nuttall OBE, International Ambassador, Employee Ownership Association
• Simon Blake, Head of Strategic Corporate Finance, Price Bailey
• Peter Hollis, Principal, Hollis & Co

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 3 March 2025
Podcast recorded: 24 February 2025