Jessica O'ConnorScottish creative agency, the Union Group, has become employee-owned after nearly 30 years, in a move aimed at securing its future.
The transition sees ownership transferred to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), a growing model among values-led firms seeking to retain independence and protect culture.
The agency group – which includes Union Direct, Union Digital, Union Data, and Union Connect – will operate under a new holding company, Agents of Change Ltd, with all 82 staff becoming beneficiaries of the Trust.
It will continue to trade as ‘the Union group’.
The Executive Directors of the operating company will comprise of Michael Hart, Heather Blair, Louise Killough, Emma Campbell and Daniel Batey.
All are current board directors in Union group businesses.
They will form the executive board of the Union group, managing all operations and the strategic direction of the agency.
The move marks a major generational handover at the Union.
Last remaining founder and group chair, Ian McAteer and Union Direct’s managing director, Gus Chalmers, will both step back from day-to-day roles, after more than two decades leading the agency’s success.
Both will stay involved as trustees of the new EOT, ensuring continuity of values and oversight.
An independent chair for the trust board has been recruited; Liz Gilchrist will join to lead the trust.
Gilchrist has a background in commercial banking with RBS and is now a consultant and leadership coach.
The other trustees will be Louise Killough and Daniel Batey.
McAteer said: “We built the Union on the idea of, well, a ‘union’ – based on the principles of equality, respect and fairness.
“An EOT is therefore a natural next step. It rewards the people who have made the agency what it is, and protects our independence, creativity, and culture for the long term.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 30 years, but I am equally excited for what’s to come. Our clients and suppliers can rest assured it’s business as usual, and I fully expect there’ll be an extra spring in our step and our service following this news.”
the reins of the agency; Daniel Batey, Michael Hart, Heather Blair, Louise Killough and Emma Campbell.
Michael Hart, executive director at the Union Group, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Rather than pursuing a trade sale, the founders have entrusted the agency’s future to its people.
“It’s an act of faith that gives us control, continuity and renewed ambition. We’re determined to build on our creative reputation and continue growing with purpose, based on our unique blend of award-winning creativity, client service and ability to deliver across all marketing channels.”
