Vehicle valeting and preparation firm Autoclenz has transitioned to employee ownership and established an employee ownership trust (EOT).
The Swadlincote-based firm has transferred control of the business to its workforce, which consists of more than 140 employees. The trust is known as Autoclenz EOT.
The EOT was set up to help preserve the firm’s values and reward the people behind its success. It also wanted to support long-term stability and continuity for customers across its core markets, including car dealerships, rental companies and auction houses.
In addition, Autoclenz has restructured its leadership team. Martin Ward moves from managing director to chief executive after a decade in the role, while Martin Peters becomes the new managing director.
Further promotions include Steve Jones as regional retail director for the Midlands and South, Justin Jones as director of rental and logistics UK, Jon Harding as operations director, and Kevin Armstrong as regional retail director for the North.
Additional appointments include Jev Derevianko as head of South Central retail, Andrei Soric head of South West retail, and Rayno Simpson head of business for rental and logistics.
Peters said: “The move to employee ownership provides a strong platform for future growth, aligning our people with the long-term success of the business. It creates the right environment to build on our existing strengths, expand our capabilities and continue delivering high-quality service to our customers.
“We also have a highly experienced and capable leadership team in place, whose collective expertise and commitment will be key to driving the business forward in this next phase. We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to our staff and employees, for your hard work and ongoing commitment. Your contribution plays a vital role in helping Autoclenz achieve its goals, and you truly are the difference.”
