AS it celebrates its 60th year, Liverpool city region publisher and marketing agency, Newhall Publishing, has handed over ownership of the business to its employees. Tony McDonough reports

A Merseyside publisher and marketing agency which is celebrating its 60th year is now owned by its employees.

Hoylake-based Newhall Publishing was founded in 1962 by Joseph Douglas. Since then it has been the publisher of Candis, one of the highest-selling monthly subscription magazines for women in the UK, on behalf of Candis Club which supports health charities.

In 2014, Newhall transformed from a single magazine publisher to a content publishing and marketing agency and now has a growing portfolio of clients including British Cycling, The Royal Windsor Horse Show, The Kennel Club and The Game Fair Society.

Now its 38-strong team all have a stake in the business with its conversion into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Under an EOT 100% of the shares are transferred to the employees, who all have a say in how it is run. As part of the arrangement current chairman Andrew Douglas will exit the business.

According to its most recently-published accounts, covering the period to March 21, 2021, Newhall’s total equity, or net assets, totalled more than £1.7m. As a small company it is not required to publish a full profit and loss account.

Andrew Douglas said: “Preserving the long-held cultural values of the business was paramount to me and, after 40 years in the business, it was obvious that employee ownership was a natural progression.

“My goal of creating a sustainable future for the business, and indeed an exciting succession, has been achieved. And as Newhall celebrates 60 years in business, now is the time to stand back and let others lead the team.”

Newhall will continue to be managed by joint managing directors Christine Blackford and Richard Woolliams. Christine joined the business 20 years ago.  She said: “We have always run the business with the employees at its heart and truly believe we offer a uniquely transparent approach.

Richard added: “The company’s values and approach to doing business is what attracted me to join the team in early 2014. I am proud of what we have achieved – especially growing during the pandemic – and we start 2022 with new talent, new clients and an optimistic outlook.”

Liverpool law firm Brabners’ specialist EO legal team supported Newhall Publishing through the EOT process.