The professional services recruiter Totum Partners has transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust EOT) – securing its future and strengthening service to clients. The recruitment agency – which specialises in leadership and business services roles for law and other professional services firms – says the new structure places the business in the hands of the people who have helped make it successful.
Founders Tim Skipper, Debbie Gray and Gary Jones, who will all remain active in the business, describe the EOT model as a natural extension of Totum’s people-first culture. It will also support long-term planning for the next generation of leaders, with responsibilities transferring gradually over time to ensure continuity for colleagues and clients.
The shift aligns closely with Totum’s ethos, including the work of the Totum Foundation and the firm’s B Corp certification, both of which reflect its focus on social value, sustainability and responsible growth.
Employee ownership is widely recognised for strengthening engagement and performance, helping businesses innovate and deliver better outcomes for clients. By adopting this model, Totum aims to protect the independence, culture and quality of service on which its clients rely.
The move also secures Totum’s long-term role in the legal and wider professional services markets. These sectors continue to evolve at pace, creating new demands for specialist skills and talent strategies – an area where Totum plans to continue to play a leading role.
“This is about planning for the future in a way that keeps Totum’s culture strong and ensures the business remains in the hands of the people who know it best,” said Skipper, Gray and Jones.
“There are significant opportunities ahead for our people and for the clients we work with. Employee ownership strengthens the platform they need to deliver growth across the legal and professional services markets.”
“We want Totum to be a business that thrives for generations, not just years. This structure helps secure that ambition.”