Exciting news as People 1st Transitions to Employee Ownership Trust
12th Jun 2024
People 1st, a leading training organisation established in 1992 and having completed a Management Buy Out in 2002, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainable growth and employee empowerment.
Effective from 1st June 2024, the company will transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) model, marking a momentous shift in its ownership structure.
An Employee Ownership Trust is a legal entity that holds a significant stake in a company on behalf of its employees. Under this model, employees become beneficial owners of the business, ensuring a more equitable distribution of wealth, and fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsibility.
People 1st, renowned for its innovative vocational and bespoke training solutions, has been at the forefront of the industry for over three decades. Serving statutory, non-statutory, and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the organisation has earned numerous accolades for its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
People 1st has been successfully led by its current Directors, overseeing a dedicated team of 90+ staff. Over the years, the company has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from its roots in West Belfast to encompass ten locations across Belfast, Lisburn, Portadown, Lurgan, Newry, Letterkenny, Buncrana, and Dungloe.
Bernie Daly, Managing Director of People 1st, expressed her excitement about the transition, stating,
“We are delighted that 100% ownership will be given to our staff, allowing them to share in the future success of the organisation. This new chapter also opens doors for staff succession and growth opportunities. It has been an amazing journey of development, and I have no doubt that the company will continue to go from strength to strength.”
The move to an Employee Ownership Trust reflects People 1st’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared prosperity. By empowering its employees as stakeholders in the business, the organisation is poised to embark on a new era of innovation and sustainable growth.
The annoucement was made recently by the People 1st team at a celebration event for team successes in The Dunadry Hotel in Antrim.
About People 1st
People 1st, is an award-winning training organisation established in 2002. As a leader in the field, People 1st provides vocational and bespoke training solutions and consultancy services to statutory, non-statutory, and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, People 1st has grown from strength to strength, expanding its reach to encompass ten locations and earning recognition for its innovative approach to workforce development.
