Specialist consultancy Wellington HR becomes employee-owned

People-first HR consultancy Wellington HR has become an employee-owned trust (EOT) in a move designed to secure the company's long-term future, protect its values, and reward the team who helped build its success.

Founded in 2019 by Somerset based Dr Shelley Poole, the business was set up to support independent HR consultants by providing expert cover during periods of leave, high demand or for extra capacity. Since then, the company has grown to a team of five and has a turnover of more than a quarter of a million pounds.

Shelley said "Moving to employee ownership just made sense for us. This business has always been about fairness, teamwork and looking out for people, so giving the team a real stake in where we're going feels like the right way to grow. It's a way of saying, 'We're in this together, as we always have been."

Shelley's interest in employee ownership began several years ago when she supported another business considering the model. That experience eventually became the focus of her doctoral research which explored employee voices within employee-owned businesses.

"I never set Wellington HR up with the idea of taking all the rewards. We had to make do with very little when I was growing up and I have been fortunate to have had the opportunities I have had in life. I want to build something that gives others real opportunities too," she said.

It was these values that led Shelley to make the decision to gift the business to the EOT rather than sell it for its market value.

While a private equity approach was considered, it didn't feel like the right fit. Instead, Shelley worked with Kent-based expert Chris Maslin of Go EO to support the transition, which was completed in just six months.

"Go EO made the process smooth and affordable. They handled all the technical and legal parts, which meant we could stay focused on our clients and our work."

Shelley remains in post as Managing Director and says day-to-day operations remain largely the same. "We've always worked in a flat, structured and collaborative way. This just formalises the shared ownership mindset that was already part of our culture."

Although still early in the journey, Shelley says the shift has already brought positive change.

"The energy in the team has gone up a notch. Everyone's always been committed, but this has added an extra layer of motivation and pride. It's a natural next step in how we work together."

To celebrate the transition, Wellington HR hosted a gathering for clients, supporters and friends of the business. The team also launched a social media campaign to share their journey and connect with others considering the employee ownership route.

Looking ahead, Shelley says the future direction of the business is being shaped together by the team. Their knowledge of employee ownership now means that they work with a number of other employee-owned businesses helping them to ensure that their HR support is delivered in an EO-friendly way.

"This has been a real milestone for me personally," said Shelley. "What started as an idea at my kitchen table has grown into a business I'm proud to pass on to the people who helped build it. And thanks to Chris at Go EO, there's even a six-week sabbatical in the plan!"

Her advice to others considering employee ownership: if it fits your values, it could be one of the most meaningful steps you take.

*Picture shows the Wellington HR team: L-R: Becky Horbury, Dr Shelley Poole, Natalie James, Caroline Nissen, Emma Nicholls and team admin Akanksha Gautam

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