We’re now 100% employee owned

It’s an exciting step for the entire team and although in many ways nothing has changed, in that I will remain Managing Director for the foreseeable future and we shall continue to provide the same level of quality service to our clients, it is something which opens up a new world of opportunities for us to explore.

A New Chapter for CORE

When I started CORE in 2003, my goal was to build an agency that delivered high-quality web, and digital marketing services. Over the past 20+ years, we’ve grown organically, forging lasting relationships with incredible clients and fostering a talented team that has made CORE what it is today.

As I considered the long-term future of the business, I explored various succession options. After looking into traditional routes like mergers and buyouts, I discovered employee ownership—a model that offers stability, continuity, and a commitment to the people who have been instrumental in our success.

Employee ownership knits seamlessly into our own ethos and ways of working as an agency - formalising many of the naturally collaborative ways in which we’ve been operating while also continuing to encourage employees to have a voice in guiding future company direction.

We’ve worked very hard to build and develop an agency environment where employees feel heard and valued and our employee retention numbers speak for themselves. The average time spent at CORE amongst our current staff is 10 years per team member, with the team in total carrying over 100 years of combined experience at the company. It is this consistency that enables us to deliver high quality services that our clients find so valuable, secure in the knowledge their points of contact within the team are in it for the long term and invested in the success of their projects.

Why Employee Ownership?

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a government-supported model that enables businesses to be transferred to their employees, ensuring they have a vested interest in the company's ongoing success. Here’s why it made perfect sense for CORE:

• Business stability: CORE remains independent, safeguarding our unique culture and client relationships.
• Rewarding the team: Employees share in the success they help create, reinforcing a sense of ownership and commitment.
• A smooth transition: The model allows for a gradual leadership shift, ensuring knowledge transfer and strategic continuity.
• Client confidence: Our clients can be assured of the same high standards of service and innovation that we’ve always delivered.

How It Works

With an Employee Ownership Trust, the company is placed into a trust on behalf of its employees. Rather than individual share ownership, the trust holds 100% of the shares for the benefit of the entire team. This model fosters a collective, long-term vision where employees work together to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

CORE’s EOT board consists of:

• Me (Ceri Richmond) – Founder & Managing Director
• Sasha Wright – Digital Project Manager
• Chris Nokes – Digital Marketing Lead
• Amanda Richmond – Director
• Paul Cantrill – Independent Trustee (Cwmpas)

Support and Acknowledgments

This transition wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of Social Business Wales, Cwmpas, Geldards LLP and BPU Chartered Accountants. A special thanks to Paul Cantrill, Andrew Evans and Huw Palin for their expertise and support throughout the process.

What This Means for Our Clients and Partners

For our clients, partners, and stakeholders, this change strengthens CORE’s foundation for the future. Our team remains committed to delivering excellence in branding, web development and digital marketing, with the added motivation that comes from shared ownership. As mentioned earlier, I'll be continuing as Managing Director for the foreseeable future, gradually stepping back to empower our management team to take on more responsibilities while ensuring a seamless transition over a number of years.

This transition marks an exciting new era for CORE—one that honours our past while embracing an innovative, employee-led future. We look forward to continuing our journey, working with our amazing clients and partners, and shaping the next chapter of our success.

For more information on Employee Ownership, visit Employee Ownership Wales.