Viva Becomes Employee Owned

Viva has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), sustaining our legacy and culture for years to come.

Our founder, Tony Garner, said:

“We are in essence a people business and we’ve been successful thanks to the talent of our people and the culture we have fostered.

“That’s why it is my firm belief that having employees own that success themselves will only accelerate our agency’s ability to deliver excellence. Our employees benefit because they will be more empowered in the strategic direction of the business, and our clients also have a clear picture of where Viva is heading.

“Together, our leadership and our team have ensured we have enjoyed excellent client retention, even through challenging times, while remaining a great place to work. We’ve spent the last 20 years establishing our name. This is the right way forward for Viva and it’s a socially responsible way too.

“Our employees benefit, and our clients have a clear picture too.”

Our existing leadership team, Tony, Lisa Woodhouse and Lucie Rohani, who have overseen turnover growth of 24% in 2023 — to a new record — remains in place and maintains day-to-day operational oversight.

Under the EOT, the majority share of Viva’s equity was transferred into the legal trust on behalf of employees.

Founded in 2002, Viva has grown over the past two decades into an award-winning firm. We have been named North West Agency of the Year four times in the past seven years by the CIPR.

Umar Memon from Jack Ross Chartered Accountants, alongside Steve Walker from Livingstons Solicitors, played a crucial role in facilitating the transition to an EOT. Umar’s expertise in navigating the complexities of employee ownership structures and tax implications was instrumental in this process.

Tony said:

“The guidance and proficiency Umar and Steve brought to the table were exemplary. Their insights were invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition to this new structure.”

Umar Memon, Managing Partner at Jack Ross, said:

“Working with Viva during their transition to an Employee Ownership Trust was a fulfilling experience. Witnessing a company take such a significant step towards employee empowerment and long-term sustainability is always rewarding.

“Our role involved detailed planning and close collaboration with Viva’s team, ensuring that the transition complied with legal, tax and accounting requirements and aligned with the company’s ethos and future aspirations.”