Giving back to the people who built the business
I’m proud to share that Hallam is now 100% employee-owned!
The decision to become employee owned is rooted in the same belief that’s guided us since day one, that business can be better. When Susan Hallam founded the agency in 1999, she believed marketing could be better, and that search engines were central to that future.
In 2022, that same belief motivated me to shift the agency towards a model that balanced profit with people and planet. A shift which soon after saw us achieve B Corp status.
Today, our ownership structure now reflects that same philosophy – that business can be better.
Employee ownership gives our team a direct stake in Hallam’s success. It means our people share financially in the business they help to build, while also having a stronger voice in its future.
Research shows employee-owned businesses are more innovative, resilient, and productive. Our clients will feel this too, working with a team that has more skin in the game and a deeper investment in their long-term success.
With nearly 40% of UK non-finance business turnover now in the hands of overseas owners (mainly US private equity), employee ownership stands apart. It keeps ownership local, decentralised, and rooted with the people on the front line.
So, what’s changed?
On 15th August, 100% of Hallam’s equity was transferred from the outgoing shareholders – Susan and Mike Hallam, Julio Taylor, Jon Martin, Ben Wood and myself – into the Hallam Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Our leadership team remains the same, with me as CEO, alongside Jon Martin (Operations Director) and Ben Wood (Performance Director). But new governance is in place which will give employees real representation. This comprises:
- A Trading Board, chaired by Maria Vardy, who brings to Hallam 25 years’ experience in creative and marketing leadership.
- An EOT Board, chaired by Chris Simpson, who has deep experience in helping companies transition into employee ownership. This board will include two of our employees and oversees the trust on behalf of the employees.
Maria Vardy has been appointed Non-Executive Chair of Hallam’s trading board
On our transition to employee ownership, Maria said that “This is a powerful statement about where value really lies. And that’s with your people. Having seen the difference that a motivated, empowered team can make to agency growth, I believe this model will lead to even more creativity, accountability and long-term success.
Chris Simpson has been appointed Chair of Hallam’s EOT board
Chris said: “The leadership team had a clear vision that challenged traditional structures, believing that true success comes from investing in people. When ownership and responsibility are placed in the hands of a high-performing team, you enhance productivity, motivation and morale. This EOT will achieve exactly that, making it the perfect fit for the business, its people and its clients.”
Looking ahead
For me, employee ownership is a natural evolution of the values we’ve built Hallam on. But it is only the start, and I am hugely excited for the next chapter.
We’re investing heavily in technology, talent, and our creative strengths. Later this month, we’ll also share major strategic announcements that will set us apart in the market and strengthen the value we bring to clients.
Most of all, I’m proud to share ownership of this journey with our team. People I deeply admire, respect, and am endlessly grateful for.
We’ve always believed in building a business that delivers for our people, our clients, and our community. Becoming employee-owned protects that vision for the long term, ensuring Hallam remains a business built by its people, for its people.
