We are now officially employee owned

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We are delighted to announce that our owners have transferred their equity to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a momentous shift in our ownership structure and a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable growth and employee empowerment.

An Employee Ownership Trust is a legal entity that holds a stake in a company on behalf of its employees. The transaction was completed on 5th September 2024, and owners Kevin Gorman and John Blackwell have transferred 100% of their equity in Britplas companies to its EOT.

Our head office and manufacturing facility are located in Warrington, and we are renowned for our groundbreaking Safevent anti-ligature window which was specially developed for use in mental health environments and has been at the forefront of the industry for two decades both domestically and internationally. We also designs, manufactures and installs glazed façades for commercial buildings nationwide.

Established since 2004, we have earned numerous accolades over the past two decades for our commitment to product innovation, excellence, and client satisfaction. We have also experienced remarkable growth, seeing expansion in the UK and international markets and now boast a group turnover of more than £30 million.

Former Britplas owners Kevin Gorman and John Blackwell will continue to lead the business with the same management team ensuring continuity of service and ongoing commitment to the company’s vision and established values.

John Blackwell, Britplas Group Managing Director, commented,
“The move to an EOT model is a hugely positive step for Britplas and its employees, which now stand at over 100. I am immensely proud of what our team has achieved, and we are already seeing that by further empowering our employees as stakeholders in the business, we are helping to promote a strong sense of shared purpose and responsibility which will create a platform for further growth.”

Kevin Gorman, Chairman of Britplas, expressed his excitement about the transition, stating,
“We are delighted that 100% ownership will be given to the trust on behalf of our staff, allowing them to share in the future success of the business. We have always been committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared prosperity. This new chapter represents an immense opportunity for the team and a renewed commitment to our shared values as a business.
Ours has been an amazing journey of development, and I have no doubt that the company will continue to go from strength to strength.”

A year of charity at Britplas

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2019 was our second year in partnership with Warrington Youth Zone (WYZ). Building on the success of last year, several fund raising events were held throughout the year.

In May, after apparently not enough weeks of training, Group MD John Blackwell and P&C Projects Director Chris Fletcher completed the Abersoch triathlon, completing a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run to raise over £4000. John completed the course in 1hr38, with Chris finishing in 2hr11.

In October Design Manager Neil Tattersall took part in the Tour de Youth Zone in October, blessed with a week of nice weather he along with 18 other cyclists completed the 471 miles over 5 days, visiting all 15 of the Onside Youth Zones, raising £920.

WYZ supporter Lee Webster and 17 others rode the 160-mile coast to coast route to raise money for the ‘buddy up’ program. The programme, which was developed in 2009, has supported over 500 disabled young people from across Warrington, by providing them with a volunteer Buddy. The Buddy supports the disabled young person with a range of issues including becoming more confident with using public transport, handling money or developing friends. They raised £1362 which Britplas rounded up to £3000.

Throughout December Britplas collected both food and present parcels for distribution through the youth zone to disadvantaged families throughout Warrington, a big than you to all staff and their families who donated. Our Christmas jumper day with pizza and several games raised a further £77.