Thinkprint UK is now employee owned following the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
The move by the Cheshire, UK based print management and marketing services firm was made after founder Ian Thomson decided to partially step back from the company.
Under the EOT, the entire business belongs to staff, allowing Thomson to exit the company in part and take on the position of chairman. Meanwhile, managing director Paul Robinson will continue in his role post-transaction.
Robinson commented: “As an organisation that is employee-owned, our staff now possesses a direct interest in our success, and we are confident this will motivate them to work diligently and intelligently to ensure optimal client support.
“We firmly believe that this ownership model represents a natural progression for our business and will result in a more engaged and driven workforce, leading to superior client outcomes.”
Founded in 1996, Thinkprint UK serves brands such as William Hill, Screwfix, PureGym, Robert Dyas and The Range.
Specialist savings bank Shawbrook supported the move, providing a flexible senior debt solution. Robinson said of the bank’s team: “The Shawbrook team acted quickly and efficiently to help with the EOT process, which was exactly what we needed. We had extensive discussions with them before the transaction and were impressed with their willingness to support Thinkprint on this exciting journey.
Daniel Martin, senior director at Shawbrook, added: “Thinkprint is a prime example of a long-running UK business which is continuing to innovate in its respective sector. We have been highly impressed with the firm’s growth trajectory over the past few years, and its ambitions to diversify and expand into other areas – which is why we were eager to support Ian and Paul in this transaction. We wish the Thinkprint team all the best for the future.”
