Wheatley builds future with employee ownership
RSM UK has supported Leeds-based, family-owned mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) building services contractor Wheatley Mechanical and Electrical Building Services (Wheatley) in its successful transition to full employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
The move enhances the long-term future of the business, placing ownership in the hands of the people who know it best - its employees - while protecting the values, culture and independence that have underpinned Wheatley’s success for nearly 30 years.
Established in 1996, Wheatley provides comprehensive mechanical and electrical engineering, design and installation services across a wide range of sectors, including industrial, commercial, retail, and public sectors. The company works with a diverse client base that includes Rolls-Royce, local authorities, the Ministry of Defence, HSBC, DuPont, Betty and Taylors, student accommodation, universities and Whitebread, and has built a reputation as a trusted, multi-disciplined contractor delivering high-quality engineering, professionalism, and value for money on every project.
As Wheatley enters this new chapter, the company remains focused on the delivery of high-quality projects for its clients — now with the added strength, resilience, and long-term focus that employee ownership brings.
Wheatley will retain its longstanding team, with Nigel Wheatley continuing as Managing Director. Clients can expect the same high standards and level of service to be maintained, with a continued focus on delivering this over the next 30 years.
Laura Marks, Emily Marland and Ben Brown of RSM UK advised on the transaction, providing structural and tax expertise throughout the employee ownership transition. The EOT is supported by independent trustee, Michael Crook of The Corporate Law Partner.
Nigel Wheatley, Managing Director at Wheatley, said: “Our move to employee ownership marks an exciting milestone for the company’s future. Over the past 30 years, we have built a strong culture as a family-run business that truly values its employees and customers, and we are keen to preserve this as we continue to grow.
“Employee ownership provides a platform for our people’s voices and ideas, while giving them a genuine stake in shaping the future direction of the business. It’s all Wheatley’s employees working together that make our company so great. I would like to thank RSM for their guidance and support throughout the process.”
Laura Marks, Tax Director at RSM UK, added: “It was a pleasure to support Nigel and the team at Wheatley on their transition to an Employee Ownership Trust - a business model that continues to gain momentum across the construction sector. This move ensures continuity of the reputation and culture the team has built over the past three decades, while establishing a strong foundation for sustainable, long-term growth. We look forward to seeing what Wheatley achieves in the years ahead.”