Employee Ownership Trust

A shared future. Owned by you.

At Bates Office, people have always been at the heart of everything we do. Becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a natural step in that journey. It means the business is now owned by those who make it what it is — our team.

This change isn’t just about structure. It’s about creating a shared future, built on fairness, collaboration, and long-term success. We’re proud to be one of the few companies in our sector to take this step, securing the independence of Bates Office for generations to come.

What is an Employee Ownership Trust?

An Employee Ownership Trust means the company is held in trust on behalf of everyone who works here. It’s designed to make sure the business is run for the benefit of all employees, with profits and decisions aligned to the long-term health of the company and its people.

In simple terms, it means everyone has a stake and a say in the company they help to build. It’s a model that rewards teamwork, strengthens accountability, and keeps the business focused on what matters most — our people, our customers, and our values.

Why we made the change

Our success has always come from our people. From our early beginnings in typewriter repair to becoming a trusted name in office supplies, every chapter of our story has been written by the team behind it.

Moving to employee ownership ensures that the future of Bates Office stays in the hands of those who care most. It’s about:

Keeping ownership with the people who live our values every day
Recognising and rewarding the collective effort that drives our success
Protecting the independence, culture, and identity that make Bates unique

This structure means we can keep growing, stay true to our roots, and ensure that the rewards of success are shared fairly across the business.

What this means for our people

Becoming employee-owned gives everyone a greater sense of belonging and purpose. It encourages collaboration, open communication, and shared responsibility.

As partners, everyone at Bates Office has a voice in the direction of the business and a stake in its success. It also brings opportunities for:

Financial rewards through profit-sharing
Job security and long-term stability
Better engagement and motivation as we work towards shared goals

It’s a structure that celebrates contribution and commitment — and ensures that the future we’re building truly belongs to us all.

What this means for our customers

Our customers will continue to receive the same care, quality, and service they’ve always known — only now, every member of our team is directly invested in delivering it.

Employee ownership strengthens our culture of accountability and pride. When everyone has a genuine stake in the business, they’re more motivated to go the extra mile, share ideas, and deliver outstanding results.

It also keeps us fully independent, so decisions are made for the long-term good of our customers and the company, not outside shareholders.

Looking ahead

Becoming an Employee Ownership Trust marks an exciting new chapter in our story. It secures the future of Bates Office as a business built on trust, teamwork, and shared success.

It feels right, and it feels fair. Together, we’ll continue to grow stronger — as partners, as colleagues, and as one team.