Propelling our success, shaping our future, and empowering our employees.

28/03/2024

As EDC enters its third decade in business, and following significant expansion, the EDC group of companies (EDC Scotland | EDC North East | EDC Air Compressors) has announced that it will become owned by an Employee Ownership Trust.

EDC specializes in supplying, installing, and repairing ABB variable speed drives and motors, as well as conducting instrumentation calibration for various industries and blue-chip companies. The company holds recognition as an ABB Motion Value Provider and serves as the Endress & Hauser Service Partner for Scotland and the North East of England. Established in 2016, the air compressor division complements the services offered, providing an integrated solution in variable speed drives, motors, and air compressors. By prioritizing customer problem-solving, energy efficiency, and plant reliability, the company has experienced year-on-year growth, currently employing 47 staff across its facilities in Erskine and Gateshead.

The shareholders have sold 100% of the company shares to the Trust.

“We decided to transition to an EOT to preserve the culture, drive, and motivation that shaped the company and to foster even closer relationships with our customers and suppliers,” said Nick Brown, Managing Director.

Nick added: “The EOT places our people at the forefront of the business. We view it as an opportunity to enhance our client service. Who better to guide the company into the future than the employees themselves, who should continue to share in its success.”

EDC employees have elected three directors to the board of the Trust: David Kerr and Amy Reilly from EDC Scotland, and Matthew Hutton from EDC North East. David Kerr, the Technical Director with 22 years of tenure, Amy Reilly, the Control & Protection Product Manager since 2017, and Matthew Hutton, the EDC NE Office Manager for 7 years, expressed their enthusiasm for the new responsibility, affirming their commitment to sustaining the company’s success.

Nick will continue as Managing Director, reporting to the Trust.

The EOT now holds the shares on behalf of current and future EDC employees, with the sale finalized on 26/03/2024.

Consilium Chartered Accountants provided advisory services for the transaction. Partner John Blair commented: “We are witnessing an increasing number of companies considering the EOT as a viable succession option. It safeguards employment for loyal employees while allowing selling shareholders to exit the business at their own pace. Shaun and Nick were determined to maintain team cohesion and play a pivotal role in the company’s future plans.”

Legal counsel was provided by Bellwether Green. April Bingham, Head of Corporate, remarked: “It was gratifying to contribute to a project that had been long planned and was of utmost importance to the management team, who had a clear vision for the group’s future and sought to build upon the strong working environment they have cultivated over the years.”

EDC joins the ranks of businesses embracing the employee ownership model, which is gaining popularity, with over 1500 businesses in the UK now under employee ownership.

 

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