Tops Day Nurseries, a childcare provider with 12 settings in Dorset and Aspire Training Team, who specialise in early years apprenticeships across Dorset, proudly announce their transition to an Employee -Owned Trust (EOT). This strategic move reflects the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and shared success among its workforce.
Employee ownership is when employees have a say and a stake in the company they work for. Ownership occurs in a variety of ways – from employees directly owning shares in the company, to having shares held on behalf of employees in an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which is what Tops and Aspire have done.
Employee ownership marks a significant evolution in Tops and Aspire’s organisational structure. By embracing the EOT model, the company aims to cultivate a sense of ownership and accountability among its colleagues, positioning them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
Cheryl Hadland, Founder and Chairwoman of Tops Day Nurseries and Aspire Training Team, said: “I am delighted and proud to have finally enabled Tops and Aspire to become an employee-owned business.
“I explored several partial exit strategies including accepting one of the many ESG oriented venture capitalists into the business, but decided that the most sustainable progression would be an EOT, protecting the ethos of the company, its sustainability and crucially enabling colleagues to be more engaged in their nurseries, a vital ingredient of a successful organisation these days.
“Tops and Aspire have been like my babies, I’ve put everything I am into them, but they have grown up now, and I see my job now as supporting them to fly into their next phase.”
To support Tops and Aspire’s transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), they formed a Colleague Council. This platform fosters open dialogue and collaboration among team members, aiming to enhance communication and drive positive change. Council members, serving as representatives of their colleagues, engage in discussions, collaborate on projects, and collectively shape a more inclusive and rewarding workplace environment.
Hayley Fisher, Learning and Development Manager and representative of the newly formed colleague council, said: “I am really pleased with the transition to an Employee-Owned Trust as it allows us as colleagues and partners to be more invested in the company.
“Being a Colleague Council Representative, gives me the opportunity to share my own thoughts and give voice to others throughout the business. I believe this has so many benefits for the company and for its colleagues and partners, ultimately providing a happier working environment and a successful business.”
We also heard from, Ellen Wentworth, Marketing Manager, who said: “To be part of a company that values you as much as Tops and Aspire does, is rare, and this transition is evidence that they put their colleagues at the heart of the company, and I’m so excited to be part of the growth and development even more now”.
The Employee Ownership Association (EOA) has played a crucial role in guiding Tops and Aspire through their transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Through resources such as the EO Learn and EO Hub platforms as well as a variety of events and conferences, EOA has offered unique learning and development opportunities. This has equipped Tops and Aspire with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of becoming an EOT.
The transition to an EOT aligns with Tops and Aspire’s overarching goals of prioritising colleagues and partners well-being, fostering professional development, and amplifying colleague and partners voices in decision-making processes.
Through open communication channels and shared objectives, the company aims to create a supportive and empowering work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
More About Tops Day Nurseries and Aspire Training Team:
Want to be part of a business that educates, inspires, and entertains? Join Tops Day Nurseries and embark on a rewarding journey of nurturing young minds, shaping futures, and making a positive impact in our communities. With 12 nurseries across Dorset including Tops Poole, Tops Christchurch, Tops Bournemouth, Tops Pokesdown, Tops Corfe Mullen, Tops Wimborne, Tops Charminster, Tops Bearwood, Tops Gillingham, Topsie Gillingham, Tops Parkstone and Tops Wareham. We have exciting vacancies available, we also offer apprenticeship opportunities, provided by Aspire Training Team, early years specialist training provider, to help you kickstart your career in childcare