Golley Slater becomes employee-owned after nearly 70 years in business
Golley Slater becomes employee-owned after nearly 70 years in business
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Independent marketing agency Golley Slater has announced it is transitioning to employee ownership, placing the future of the business in the hands of its 130-strong workforce.
The move sees the creation of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which will hold the company in trust for the benefit of staff. With offices in Cardiff, Leeds, Cirencester and London, the £22 million turnover agency joins a growing list of UK firms adopting employee ownership, a model popularised by the John Lewis Partnership and Riverford.
Founded in 1957, Golley Slater said the transition ensures a sustainable future for the business while safeguarding its culture and values.
“This marks a major milestone in our journey – one that secures and adds real meaning to our independence, further engages and rewards our people,” said CEO David Longden. “This decision protects the culture, values, and long-term future of Golley Slater. The reaction from our employees and clients has been brilliant, and we’re excited about what this means for our future.
“Our clients can expect the same high-quality service, innovation and strategic thinking, now delivered by an even more empowered and invested team.”
The agency has built a reputation for delivering integrated campaigns across sectors including public health, transport, automotive, education, tourism and FMCG. Recent projects include the award-winning No Second Chances safety campaign for Transport for Wales, which cut railway trespassing incidents by 50%, and a high-profile immersive brand activation for Coca-Cola European Partners.
Golley Slater also recently retained its IPA Effectiveness Accreditation – one of only 44 agencies in the UK, and the only one in Wales, to hold the status.
Professional services support for the EOT transition was provided by Moore Kingston Smith, alongside advice from employee ownership specialists Cwmpas.
Esther Carder, Partner and Head of Media at Moore Kingston Smith, said: “We’re delighted to have advised on Golley Group’s Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). As a leading, award-winning advertising and media agency, and one of the few IPA Effectiveness Accredited agencies in the UK, Golley Group’s dedication to its 130 specialists and its long-standing legacy is truly impressive.
“Success in the media sector is driven by talent, commitment to client goals, passion and performance. This EOT transition builds upon the Golley Group’s journey which began over 60 years ago. The EOT will preserve the company’s culture, ensure business continuity and spread ownership, which is expected to positively impact performance. We wish the entire team every success in this new chapter.”
Paul Cantrill, Specialist EO Consultant at Cwmpas, added: “Cwmpas is delighted to assist Golley Slater in its move to employee ownership. The approach adopted is an excellent fit to the group’s development strategy going forward and the new ownership structure, with its focus on consolidating employee involvement, will ensure high employee buy-in for the future.”
Golley Slater’s clients include Bosch, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble and Transport for Wales, as well as large-scale public sector campaigns for the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales.
HR Business Partner and employee ownership trustee director Catherine Walters said the shift would have a lasting impact on staff.
She said: “Becoming an employee owned business will be transformative – not just for our culture, but for our people,” she said. “Employees gain a genuine stake in the company, which we hope will foster deeper engagement, stronger commitment, and a shared sense of purpose. We hope it will bring further job satisfaction, skills development and long-term security making us an even better place to work. It’s something we are really excited to be a part of.”
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