Local company celebrates move to Employee Ownership Trust

Admiral Leasing & Loans - the trading name of Oldham-based finance provider Universal Leasing Limited - is delighted to announce the successful sale by the founding shareholders into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

This significant milestone means all 37 colleagues in the Oldham and Witney offices now collectively own the business, giving every team member a meaningful stake in driving growth and delivering an exceptional level of service. 

The transition strengthens Admiral’s long-standing commitment to its people, its customers and its long-term future, preserving continuity whilst empowering the next generation of talent to shape the Company’s continued expansion. 

Managing Director Simon Stewart commented: “In our 20th year, becoming an Employee Ownership Trust is a significant and positive step for Admiral.  

“It safeguards our culture, protects the values that define us, and ensures our specialist team remains central to every decision we make. It’s good for our people, good for our customers and introducers, and good for the long-term future of the business.” 

Sales Director Carol Bolton said: “The transition to an EOT is a catalyst for our continued growth. It allows us to build even closer relationships with approved vendors and brokers and reinforces our commitment to delivering the reliable service, swift responses and consistency they expect from Admiral.” 

Business Development Director Simon Etheridge said that the employee ownership allowed them to focus even more on the opportunities where they excelled and delivered real value and that it positioned them well to broaden their reach while staying true to their mission of supporting SMEs nationwide.

Operations Director Steve Worrall, a recent addition to the senior team, remarked: “The EOT structure provides the stability and clarity needed to continue streamlining processes and explore AI-driven tools to boost efficiency and effectiveness. These enhancements will help deliver a smoother, faster and more seamless experience for every customer we support.” 

Chairman Michael Hughes and Finance Director James Frost (who led the strategic review of long-term ownership options) confirmed that transitioning to an EOT was the right path, adding:“Rather than pursuing an open-market sale, the EOT preserves the continuity, experience and specialist knowledge within our dedicated teams in Oldham and Witney. It keeps Admiral independent, protects our culture and ensures the business remains in the hands of those who have helped build it over the years. This undoubtedly creates the foundation for the next chapter of long-term success and development.

"With the EOT recently completed, Admiral Leasing & Loans enters a new era, where every employee has a vested interest in the Company’s success and a shared commitment to delivering results-focused outcomes for our customers, introducers and key external partners."