About Savant

The Employees Own Savant

In July 2001, the Savant employees took over the company from the retiring founders in an Employee Buy Out (EBO). The company is now owned by the Savant Employee Benefit Trust (known as the EBT) to which all eligible staff belong.

Why not a Management Buy Out?

The existing management team acknowledged that the main assets of the company go home every night. Without the good will and co-operation of the staff, Savant could not provide the levels of service and support we believe our customers have a right to expect after all we charge them for it. So the idea of an EBO was born out of the spirit of co-operation - but not necessarily of a co-operative.

The current structure and ownership is therefore a two-way street. The company gains commitment from the staff and encourage their involvement, whilst at the same time, the staff gain satisfaction and reward for their efforts.

Isn't that a Co-operative?

Well no, it's a sort of co-operative, where a management team are responsible for the day-to-day running of the company. An employee director has been appointed by the employees to look after their interests on the management team and on the board of directors. This approach is exemplified by the following:

"... It's through that there Magna Charta, as was signed by the Barons of old, that staff today, can do as they like, so long as they do as they're told!"

(With apologies to Marriott Edgar)

Savant were assisted with the employee buyout by the Lancashire Co-operative Development Agency.

More details on employee ownership options are available at the Employee Ownership Organisation.