Family estate and letting agency Jigsaw has transferred ownership of the business to its employees through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
The Selby-based firm said the move secures its long-term future as an independent business while recognising the contribution of staff who have helped grow the company over more than two decades.
Sandra Widdrington established Jigsaw Letting in 2001. Her daughter, Sharon Northcott, later joined the business and, together with her husband, Davy Northcott, launched Jigsaw Move in 2014, expanding the company’s existing lettings operation into residential sales.
Rather than selling the company to an external buyer, the couple said they had opted for employee ownership to preserve the agency’s independence and culture while giving staff a stake in its future success.
Sharon Northcott said: “This business has always been about people. From the very beginning, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a team who have stood by us, supported our vision and consistently gone above and beyond for our clients.
“Many of our team have been with us for years, helping us grow the business and build the reputation we have today. We wanted to recognise that loyalty and commitment. Becoming employee-owned is our way of giving something back to the people who have helped build Jigsaw into the business it is today.”
She said the transition would not affect the day-to-day running of the business, with both her and Davy Northcott remaining actively involved.
“This isn’t about stepping away,” she explained. “Davy and I remain heavily involved in the business, and our clients will continue to see the same familiar faces. I’ll also remain with Jigsaw as a consultant for many years to come because this business, our team and our clients mean so much to us.”
The EOT will be overseen by a board comprising Sharon Northcott, Davy Northcott, Alix Simpkin, Beckie Atton and Connie Bell.
Northcott added: “Our clients trust us because of our people. Choosing employee ownership means we’re protecting that culture, safeguarding the future of the business and ensuring that the people who have supported us for so many years now have the opportunity to share in its future success. We couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you.”
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