FRP advises Darke and Taylor on employee ownership move

FRP Corporate Finance has advised Oxfordshire engineering firm Darke and Taylor on its transition to employee ownership.

Based in Long Hanborough, Darke and Taylor designs, installs and maintains building services including electrical, mechanical and energy systems. For more than 65 years, it has worked across London and the South East on projects spanning high-quality residential, commercial, educational and science facilities.

The business has now established an employee ownership trust to hold shares on behalf of staff, marking the start of its transition to a fully employee-owned model.

The move aims to secure the company’s long-term independence and preserve its values by placing employees at the centre of its future growth plans.

FRP Corporate Finance’s team was led by partner James Cooper and director Matt Field, supported by assistant manager Lydia Kelsall. The advisers provided strategic, financial and tax support to assess the suitability of employee ownership before delivering share valuation services, financial modelling and further tax advice to complete the process.

Cooper said: “We’re seeing more businesses turn to employee ownership as they look to reward the people who’ve put time and effort into their success, while also wanting to secure their long-term future.

“Darke and Taylor has established itself as a trusted building services partner, and this transition will empower its people to build on its growth history while retaining the passion and values that have made it the success it is.”

Simon Newton, managing director at Darke and Taylor, added: “When considering the long-term future of the business, we wanted to make sure that any decision we made recognised the hard work that our staff put in every day.

“It soon became clear that employee ownership was the best way to achieve this, and thanks to the valuable support provided by the team at FRP Corporate Finance our employees can now benefit directly from the growth that they are driving.”

Tracy Evans and Jordan Pace at EMW provided legal advice on the deal.