Glasgow-based Spider Online has announced it is joining the growing number of employee-owned businesses in Scotland, with all staff given a stake in the company.
Founded by John Campbell and Tony O’Grady in 2004, Spider Online is an award-winning digital agency specialising in website and app delivery, serving customers across government, transport and HR. Clients include FirstGroup, Tesco Bank, COSLA, Audit Scotland, National Transport Authority Ireland, Imperial College London and Bristol Airport.
The change in business structure sees the formation of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which holds 100% of the shares on behalf of the employees. As a result, John Campbell will move to the position of Chairman, with Ross Hamill becoming Managing Director. In our latest blog article, we catch up with John and Clare Alexander from Co-operative Development Scotland to find out more about the transition.
“We started the business three years before Steve Jobs launched the iPhone and four years before the financial crash – and I don’t think we ever thought it would still be around 18 years later. There have been so many technological, political and economic changes in that time, with numerous challenges, successes and failures, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see Spider Online prosper as a profitable business in a competitive sector.
“During this time we’ve also witnessed the development of our brilliant team. I’m proud of the people that have and continue to work with us. Now feels like the right time, along with support from Scottish Enterprise, to create an EOT allowing these talented people to take the business to the next stage and the next 18 years. I know that, as MD, Ross will guide our continued success and future growth.”
Head of Co-operative Development Scotland, Clare Alexander, added: “The number of employee-owned businesses in Scotland continues to grow and we’re delighted to add Spider Online to the list. This is a great business which is hugely successful in its field, and the transfer of ownership to its employees is a fantastic fit for its collaborative and innovative culture.
Spider Online were supported to transition to employee ownership by Co-operative Development Scotland. CDS funded a feasibility study, allowing its leadership to make an informed decision on whether to move to employee ownership. Once the company had decided to proceed, its transition was project-managed by 4-consulting, with legal services from Blackadders and financial inputs from Milne Craig.
To find out more about employee ownership and the support available, please visit: www.scottish-enterprise.com/eo