ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Three years after transitioning to an employee-ownership model, UK-based Churchill Group has fully repaid the loan that was taken out to fund the purchase of the shares on behalf of the Employee-Ownership Trust (EOT). This is commonly referred to as ‘financial freedom' day in the EOT world, as it marks the time when the business has more capital to invest in itself and its people.

As of October 2026, more than 70 per cent of all its employees across its specialist businesses are employee owners. Staff turnover is on a downward trend having reduced by 17 per cent in the last year, while length of service is on the increase with both management and frontline staff having been with the group for more than five years.

Churchill has also created an Employee Transition Council, created to keep employees at the heart of the business, bring employee ownership to life and ensure everybody has a voice. 

The Council comprises 23 members from across the various Churchill Group businesses. Members were self-nominated and represent a mix of roles, seniority, age and gender. All will receive training to support them in the role.

James Bradley, CEO at Churchill Group said: "Financial freedom marks an exciting milestone in our employee-ownership journey. The Transition Employee Council is a natural next step as we look to keep our colleagues at the centre of our business."