IT provider is the latest to become employee owned

Poole-based Enhanced is the latest company to become employee owned.

The IT provider joins more than 800 companies across the country – out of 6m or so registered businesses – to transfer ownership to its team in an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

The special form of employee benefit trust was introduced by the government in 2014 in an attempt to encourage more shareholders to set up a corporate structure similar to the John Lewis model.

Founded in 1994, Enhanced continues to grow and now has more than 50 staff and an annual turnover in excess of £6m.

Simon White, one of the founding directors, said: “I am proud to say that, although much has changed in the world of IT, the company’s mission and ideals are very much the same as they were since its inception: to constantly excel in everything we do.

“We have experienced an incredible success story, despite numerous challenges and the ever-changing market place.

“We have come through Brexit and Covid and I believe we are stronger than ever.

“The time is right for Enhanced to move forward to the next stage in its development and what better way than to make the transition to an EOT.

“I speak for all the Directors, all of whom will remain as Directors with Enhanced, when I say we are passionate about the legacy of the business and the people who have built it.

“The EOT roots jobs and is a perfect way to protect the Enhanced legacy.”

A Gold Microsoft Partner, Enhanced provides a wide range of IT solutions and support.

Other Dorset businesses to become EOTs include Rubicon People Partnership and Salad Creative.

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Free monthly social event for young founders proves a hit

Grab a drink, join in and have fun – and it’s free!

The message from WeAreFND, a collaborative community of young founders, young business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers and side hustlers.

The monthly social event invites successful, young local founders to talk about ‘The 5 Things They Know Now’ including what they’ve learnt along the way.

Recent speakers have included digital content creator Brogan Tate, pictured right, food blogger and now best-selling author James Wythe and The Happy Blossoms Co-founder Lauren Hooper.

A few spaces are left for the next meet-up this Thursday, March 31, at Podcast Labs in Poole, featuring designers Josh Kay and Jamie White from The Syrup Room.

Their business specialises in start to finish design-based physical projects.

They have partnered with some of the biggest brands and agencies worldwide  – Lush, Martini, Nescafe, Hilton and Ted Baker – to think, link, make and bake up what hasn’t been done before.

They even made the most recent Christmas tree for Kings Cross.

Mary Lloyd, Founder of WeAreFND, pictured left, said ‘We launched FND six months ago now and have been blown away by the results.

“It’s been incredible to see it all come together to support so many young businesses in Dorset.

“We have already seen many individuals collaborating on projects, swapping services, commissioning, and creating friendships.

“It has become obvious that this kind of support is vital.”

FND is a completely free event for people to attend, thanks to the support of Dorset Growth Hub and BCP Council.

Find out more at wearefnd.com/events or follow WeAreFND on Instagram.

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New recruit for Rayner Jones Employment Lawyers

Chris Strutt has joined Rayner Jones Employment Lawyers as a Consultant Solicitor.

Married with two children, he served in the British Army before retraining as a solicitor.

Specialising in employment and corporate and commercial law, Chris, pictured right, acts for businesses and directors and senior managers around the UK.

He was previously a partner at a firm in the North West.

Rayner Jones, Solicitor/Director, said: “Chris and I know each other well having worked together on projects many times over the years.

“Chris’s experience in advising companies on corporate and commercial work means we can now do more for clients who need help in areas other than employment.”

Rayner Jones Employment Lawyers is based at Aviation Business Park in Christchurch.