Admiral Leasing & Loans transitions to Employee Ownership Trust

Admiral Leasing & Loans, the trading name of Oldham-based finance provider Universal Leasing Limited, has completed its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), transferring ownership of the business from its founding shareholders to its employees.

The move means all 37 colleagues across the company’s Oldham and Witney offices now collectively own the business, giving each employee a stake in its future growth and performance. The transition marks a significant milestone in Admiral’s 20th year of trading and is designed to preserve the firm’s culture while supporting long-term, sustainable expansion.

Managing Director Simon Stewart said the move would help safeguard the company’s values and ensure continuity for customers and partners.

“In our 20th year, becoming an Employee Ownership Trust is a significant and positive step for Admiral,” he said. “It safeguards our culture, protects the values that define us and ensures our specialist team remains central to every decision we make. It’s good for our people, good for our customers and introducers, and good for the long-term future of the business.”

Sales Director Carol Bolton said the new ownership structure would strengthen relationships across Admiral’s introducer and broker network.

“The transition to an EOT is a catalyst for our continued growth,” she said. “It allows us to build even closer relationships with approved vendors and brokers and reinforces our commitment to delivering the reliable service, swift responses and consistency they expect from Admiral.”

Business Development Director Simon Etheridge added that employee ownership would support the firm’s plans to broaden its reach while remaining focused on its core SME customer base.

“Employee ownership allows us to focus even more on the opportunities where we excel and deliver real value,” he said. “It positions us well to broaden our reach while staying true to our mission of supporting SMEs nationwide.”

Operations Director Steve Worrall said the EOT structure would provide a platform for continued operational improvement and investment in technology.

“The EOT structure provides the stability and clarity needed to continue streamlining processes and explore AI-driven tools to boost efficiency and effectiveness,” he said. “These enhancements will help deliver a smoother, faster and more seamless experience for every customer we support.”

Chairman Michael Hughes and Finance Director James Frost, who led the strategic review of long-term ownership options, said the decision to transition to an EOT was driven by a desire to maintain independence and continuity.

“Rather than pursuing an open-market sale, the EOT preserves the continuity, experience and specialist knowledge within our dedicated teams in Oldham and Witney,” they said. “It keeps Admiral independent, protects our culture and ensures the business remains in the hands of those who have helped build it over the years. This creates a strong foundation for the next chapter of long-term success and development.”

With the transition now complete, Admiral Leasing & Loans enters a new phase as an employee-owned business, with every team member holding a collective stake in the company’s performance and a shared commitment to delivering consistent, results-focused outcomes for customers, introducers and partners.