Client Testimonials

Ministry of Sound

To obtain good advice on complex subjects such as share schemes it is easy to assume that you have to turn to very large legal firms, so it has been a joy to find in Postlethwaite a small, specialised team with many years of experience, which can unravel the intricacies of structuring and taxation – and explain them in a way that even a layman can understand. Robert and his team have been very easy to work with as they have helped us to review and update a scheme that had not been subject to this process for several years – all at a fraction of the cost that we would have incurred if we had used a ‘big name’ firm.

- Richard Holman, Director

iiPAY Integrated International Payroll

The rules governing Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) are complex and unforgiving if you get them wrong. The same can be said of Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share option schemes - a highly tax-efficient and motivational tool for employees if set up and administered properly, but with a minefield of rules and regulations that can catch out the unwary. My advice is leave it to the experts! There are enough things to concentrate on in building a business and meeting investor expectations without the added burden of compliance in this vital area. We have used Postlethwaite for a number of years to advise on all matters related to EIS and EMI. Robert and his team handle everything from set up, HMRC negotiations, communications with investors and staff, on-going scheme administration, reporting and compliance. We value their input and respect their experience and knowledge in this field and as such, we are happy to recommend them to others.

- John Cassie, Chief Executive Officer

Contract Cleaning and Maintenance Ltd.

I recently strengthened my senior management team, with a view to expanding our business, and building on our successful platform. I have a strong belief that “ownership,” in the real sense, is a huge motivator. For that reason, I have put a share incentive scheme in place to reward key individuals for their contribution to our success. Initially, I spoke with the firm of lawyers who we use for standard corporate matters. They did not have the expertise to guide me through the complexities, and my subsequent search for a specialist led me to choose Postlethwaite. I have been very impressed at how easy the whole process has been. Robert was able to clearly explain my options, and was very flexible in responding to changes I made along the way. Perhaps it was the fact that Postlethwaite seems to reflect the same personal style of service I seek in my own business, that made me feel comfortable. I have recently recommended them to a friend who is implementing a similar scheme.

- Alastair Fox, Owner

Me_tail

We were recommended Postlethwaite as being experts in the field of EMI schemes and in this regard they certainly are. Supremely efficient, friendly, instructive and accommodating, it was a pleasure to work with them. I had not appreciated how much of a dark art company valuations were with regards to employee options setting and they easily navigated me through the process. No questions were too small and everything was completed within the timelines and costs indicated up front. I thoroughly recommend them and their services.

- Tom Adeyoola, CEO & Founder

Bluefin Solutions Ltd

Employee share ownership is very important to us at Bluefin and when we decided we wanted to extend ownership to a wider group of employees we engaged Postlethwaite to guide us through the process. They helped us prepare an invitation to employees to purchase shares and design an internal market structure for future sales and purchases. We were very pleased with the outcome as we now have a significantly larger number of employees holding shares, and have since received efficient and reliable aftercare.

- Dan Hawker, Director

NICE Systems

Postlethwaite has repeatedly proved itself as a high quality boutique providing UK share scheme advice combining the pure legal and UK tax perspectives. Their responses are timely, relevant and clear enabling us to cut through the complex legalese and to achieve our managerial objectives quickly.

- David Whitefield, Global Tax Director

Ramsay Health Care (Sydney, Australia)

From time to time we need advice on UK taxation and legal questions affecting our employee share ownership schemes. We find Postlethwaite’s service to be very efficient, quick and of high quality, with competitive and transparent charging. We are pleased to have located a niche firm like this that can meet our needs so well.

- John O’Grady, Group General Counsel & Company Secretary

Key Training

We appointed Postlethwaite to advise us on employee share incentives because we felt they listened to us and would provide a solution that was suited to our company’s particular objectives and circumstances. We were not disappointed, as they developed a good understanding of our business and requirements and then delivered an imaginative and tailored solution that did meet our needs. We found them at all times to be responsive, supportive and good at nudging us along when the day to day distracted us. We would certainly recommend them.

- Andrew Dunsire, Chairman