We’re delighted to announce that we have successfully completed an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) scheme, where our staff will own a majority shareholding of the business.
The deal marks a major milestone for Paramount after exceptional growth over the past 12 months, which has included the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Fusion Point One in central Cardiff and winning Workplace Design of the Year for Grade II listed building, Hodge House.
Richard Jones was appointed as Managing Director in 2017, and since completing the purchase of Paramount in 2018 in a management buy-out, the company has seen a significant year on year increase to being on target for a £30M turnover in 2021, following a string of high-profile contract wins, an acquisition and several senior appointments.
Paramount have many long-standing staff members, and the people here are at the heart of all that we do. I am absolutely delighted with the opportunity to reward our talented team with a stake in the business for the outstanding contribution and commitment they have shown over the many years, particularly through the most challenging of times.
Despite the onslaught of the gruelling pandemic on offices nationwide, there is still plenty of movement in the design and build market, as our record-breaking year shows. Our focus for the future is to keep setting the standard in transforming working environments into places where people want to be.
— Richard Jones, Owner and Managing Director, Paramount
As per the requirements for an EOT scheme, staff will become majority shareholders, collectively owning 51% of the business. The benefits of an EOT include the creation of a more employee-centric business structure which will empower staff and in turn benefit the business as a whole.
We’ve also appointed a separate trust board to ensure the EOT acts in the best interests of our employees and will be joined by an external EOT expert.
These are truly exciting times for Paramount. Richard’s decision to sell his majority shareholding is a reflection of not only how much he values our staff but also the respect they have for him in terms of how committed they all are. And whilst the past year during the pandemic has undoubtedly been challenging for all, everyone continues to go above and beyond to ensure our clients’ have the experience and more that they deserve. The EOT therefore gives staff further recognition that you get out what you put in.
— Helen Bartlett, Design Director of Paramount and EOT Board member
The deal was led by GS Verde Group and Greenaway Scott.
What Richard and his team have achieved in this short space of time has been absolutely incredible. The business has always had a strong team ethic, and an EOT was the perfect opportunity to reward the team. Paramount are a pleasure to work with and we were delighted to assist them in this deal.
— Craig Blackmore, Managing Director of Verde Corporate Finance
We are delighted to have worked with Paramount on this deal and to witness the business go from strength to strength. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.
Matthew Sutton, Director of Greenaway Scott
