ClearBox is now an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)
I founded ClearBox Consulting in 2007 with a simple goal: to help organisations create digital workplaces that are more effective, user-friendly, and engaging. Over the years, our team has grown, shaped by a shared belief in thoughtful, practical solutions that put people first – both in the solutions we provide and how we work together as a business
That’s why I’m excited to announce that ClearBox will now be held in an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This transition ensures that the values, expertise, and culture that define us will continue to shape our future. While I will carry on leading the business, this move secures ClearBox’s long-term independence and ensures that the team who built it will play a key role in its future success.
What is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)?
Our friends at Baxendale Employee Ownership (who have been supporting us through this transition) have kindly provided the ‘legal speak’ version of what an EOT is:
``An EOT is the most common type of indirect ownership in the UK whereby a special trust holds at least a majority stake in a company on behalf of the employees. It is structured to operate for the benefit of employees, ensuring they have a meaningful stake in the business’s success and long-term future.``
Why employee ownership?
For us, this change is about continuity, not disruption. ClearBox remains the same company, with the same team, leadership, and commitment to our clients. The only thing that’s changing is who owns the business. Becoming an EOT gives our team long-term confidence and a stake in shaping the company’s future and the opportunity to directly benefit from its success. It also signals that ClearBox is here for the long run. No matter what the future holds, our expertise, independence, and values will stay at the heart of everything we do without the need to compromise if we were to be acquired or merge with another organisation.
What this means for our customers and partners
For our clients, suppliers, and industry peers, it’s business as usual. Our leadership and team remain the same, as does our unwavering commitment to delivering expert guidance. Becoming an EOT simply strengthens our foundations – it ensures that ClearBox remains independent and that the people who know the business best are invested in its future. For our customers, this means working with a team that is even more engaged, committed, and invested in delivering the best possible service.
How will the EOT benefit the ClearBox team?
One of the biggest benefits of employee ownership is the sense of shared purpose it creates. Everyone at ClearBox now has a meaningful role in the company’s success, working toward the same goals – not just for themselves, but for each other, our clients, and the industry as a whole. This structure ensures that the values and expertise that define ClearBox will continue to guide us for years to come. Being an EOT also means that over time ClearBox’s financial successes can be shared out across the employees too.
Our team, our business
ClearBox has always been built on collaboration, and this transition wouldn’t mean anything without the people who make it possible – our team. Here’s what some of them had to say about the move to employee ownership:
“We already work so well and closely together it’s almost as if nothing is changing! But the Trust gives ClearBox long-term stability, which means it could still be operating effectively long after I retire. That’s really exciting and very inspiring too.”
— Suzie
“Becoming an employee-owned business is an exciting step for us. It means we all have a stake in the company’s future and a shared commitment to its success.”
— Andrew
“It’ll be good. Building on the foundation Sam laid nearly twenty years ago, this is a pleasing way to continue the remarkable digital work of ClearBox employees.”
— Wedge
Guided by our values
Throughout this transition, we’ve been fortunate to work with experts who understand the power of employee ownership. Hannah Welch from Baxendale, who has supported us through this process, shares her perspective:
“For ClearBox, becoming employee owned is more than just a change in ownership. Sam and the team have fully embraced the process, working together to create the foundations and build a sustainable future for future generations. It has been a pleasure to support the team, and we’re excited to see them thrive in their next chapter as employee owners.”
— Hannah Welch, Baxendale
Looking ahead
This is a major milestone for ClearBox, but in many ways, it’s also business as usual. We remain the same trusted team, working with the same passion and expertise that our clients and partners rely on. The only difference is that now, our future is even more secure – because it’s in the hands of the people who know it best.
We’re excited for this next chapter and grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey so far. If you have any questions about what this means, or just want to share in the moment with us, we’d love to hear from you.
