Independent letting and estate agency Jigsaw in Selby has announced its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
The transition aims to recognise the the loyalty and dedication of the team that has helped shape the business while securing its long-term future as an independent, locally owned agency.
Employee ownership can offer huge benefits for employees by giving them a real stake in the future success of a business.
Jigsaw began in 2001 when Sandra Widdrington established Jigsaw Letting in Selby, and as the business grew, her daughter, Sharon Northcott, became increasingly involved.
In 2014, the business expanded with the launch of Jigsaw Move, introducing residential sales alongside its established letting services and creating the full-service letting and estate agency the business is today.
Together with her husband and business partner, Davy Northcott, and alongside a strong and dedicated team, Sharon has helped grow Jigsaw into one of the area’s most established and respected independent letting and estate agencies.
Now, after more than two decades of serving the Selby community, Sharon and Davy have chosen employee ownership as the next chapter in the company’s journey.
Rather than selling the business to an external buyer, the move to an Employee Ownership Trust ensures that Jigsaw remains independent while rewarding the employees whose commitment, professionalism and loyalty have been instrumental in the company’s success.
“This business has always been about people. From the very beginning, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a team who have stood by us, supported our vision and consistently gone above and beyond for our clients,” said Sharon.
“Many of our team have been with us for years, helping us grow the business and build the reputation we have today. We wanted to recognise that loyalty and commitment. Becoming employee-owned is our way of giving something back to the people who have helped build Jigsaw into the business it is today.
“This isn’t about stepping away. Davy and I remain heavily involved in the business, and our clients will continue to see the same familiar faces. I’ll also remain with Jigsaw as a consultant for many years to come because this business, our team and our clients mean so much to us.”
For Sharon and Davy, the decision was about preserving the culture and values that have underpinned Jigsaw since its beginnings as a family business in 2001.
“Our clients trust us because of our people,” added Sharon.
“Choosing employee ownership means we’re protecting that culture, safeguarding the future of the business and ensuring that the people who have supported us for so many years now have the opportunity to share in its future success.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you.”
