Hudgell Solicitors has celebrated its first anniversary as an Employee Ownership Trust, highlighting significant achievements and developments.
- The firm began its employee ownership in December 2023, allowing staff to have a stake in long-term decisions and outcomes.
- Employees received their second annual profit-share bonus, equitably distributed among those with over a year of service.
- A newly formed Employee Forum enhances communication and idea-sharing between staff and leadership.
- Key members of the Forum aim to champion company culture and ensure workforce ideas reach management.
Hudgell Solicitors commemorated its first year as an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), a move initiated by founder Neil Hudgell to empower employees through shared business control. This transition, finalized in December 2023, not only grants staff a say in strategic decisions but also enables them to benefit financially from the firm’s success. Embracing this new structure, the firm awarded its second annual profit-share bonus to all employees who have been with Hudgell Solicitors for at least one year, reinforcing a culture of shared prosperity.
The announcement of a newly established Employee Forum marks another milestone for Hudgell Solicitors. This eight-member group, representing various departments within the firm, was chosen through a nomination process designed to ensure a diverse range of voices. Forum members are tasked with acting as ‘champions and role models’ for the firm, as described by Rachel Di Clemente, the chief executive.
The Forum’s purpose is to channel ideas from the workforce to the EOT Board, fostering an environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Members include legal and non-legal professionals, such as legal executive Laura Rowan and developer Adam Hinchcliffe, who are dedicated to supporting the company’s culture and facilitating communication between different levels of the organisation.
Rebecca Cone, a decade-long employee, shared her enthusiasm for the Forum, seeing it as a chance to enhance employee influence on the firm’s future. Similarly, Henna Arif, a newer team member, expressed surprise and excitement at her selection, hopeful about the changes the Forum can inspire.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment by Hudgell Solicitors to involve its employees in shaping the future direction of the firm. By prioritising staff input and equitable financial benefits, Hudgell Solicitors continues to demonstrate a progressive approach to business management.
Hudgell Solicitors’ innovative shift to employee ownership underscores its commitment to involving staff in strategic and cultural development.
