The marketplace for talent has never been more competitive. Vision, mission and culture are clearly key, but it's also important to consider how employees are incentivised. It’s not just fast-growth companies that recognise the importance of equity participation for employees; businesses of all shapes and sizes are seeing the benefits that come from building a workforce that is invested in their future success.
Getting the right advice at the right time is key to implementing any share scheme. We work hand-in-hand with tax specialists to ensure that schemes are structured in the most tax-advantageous way, while also meeting the commercial objectives of your business.
The opportunities provided through shares
Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share schemes
EMI share schemes account for over 90% of all employee share schemes in the UK and are the go-to share scheme for most fast-growth businesses. That's because there is no income tax for employees when granted and if an employee sells shares, the capital gains tax will only be charged at 10%. Nice.
Company Share Option Plans (CSOPs)
Some companies can’t grant EMI options because of the nature of their business, the types of business activities being conducted (such as property development), the number of employees they have or the value of their gross assets. In these circumstances, CSOPs can be a good alternative to, or can operate alongside, EMI schemes.
Growth share schemes
Growth share schemes are increasing in popularity amongst businesses of all sizes that want to provide employees with a share of the value of a company only above a certain sale price.
Foreign company subsidiary plans
We regularly advise foreign companies with UK subsidiaries on setting up subsidiary share option plans (‘sub-plans’) to grant options over the shares in their parent companies to employees and non-employees in the UK.
How to get started
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Who this can affect
Don't take our word for it
One of the best decisions we've made in the run up to our raise. Our advice is look no further!
Dig deeper
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How Can Your Business Use The SEIS/EIS Scheme?
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Sharing the Love of How Shares Work
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How to Choose the Right Legal Partner
About us
We specialise in advising entrepreneurs and fast-growth businesses on everything relating to a company’s ownership and management; from negotiating term sheets and advising on investment rounds, to designing and implementing share option schemes and advising on mergers and acquisitions. We also advise C-suite employees on their remuneration and share option packages and companies on corporate governance matters.
