Skip to main content
We're here with practical information for your business. Learn about business planning, running a business and more.

Search

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Study shows employee share schemes are great for business

6 July 2021

A new study into employee share schemes has found that they significantly boost company growth, make recruitment easier and improve employee retention.

Research conducted as part of a government consultation on the value of its Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme has found that the vast majority of firms using an EMI employee share scheme are delighted with the results.

Research conducted by YouGov and 3Gem for share scheme platform Vestd has contributed to the consultation; it found that nearly all businesses with an EMI share scheme have seen a significant uptick in their retention, recruitment and growth.

Vestd surveyed over 5,000 UK business leaders, managers and employees and found that:

  • 93% of firms that are using an EMI say that it helps with recruitment;
  • 95% say that it helps with employee retention;
  • 93% agree that it helps with company growth and development.

"EMI was introduced to help SMEs compete for the best talent and it also provides a tax-efficient way for businesses to share equity with their staff," said Ifty Nasir, founder and ceo of Vestd. "However, the scheme hadn't been assessed in over a decade, prompting the government to launch a review earlier this year, to find out whether the scheme was meeting its aims."

The latest findings suggest that EMIs can far exceed business expectations. Researchers asked 2,500 firms that are considering an employee share scheme about their objectives and found that nearly half were looking to improve retention, one in four wanted to improve their recruitment and just under a fifth were seeking to enhance company growth.

The results from those already using an employee share scheme are "far higher" said Nasir. "It's clear from the data and from the anecdotal evidence that whenever a company introduces EMI, they see results that outstrip even their most ambitious hopes for what the scheme can do for them. This data constitutes an overwhelming endorsement of EMI. During this time of recovery from COVID-19, enhancing the existing scheme could be one of the most powerful things that the government could do to support small businesses and start-ups across the UK."

Vestd is conducting a campaign to boost awareness of EMIs and to urge the government to expand the criteria of the scheme so that more companies can participate.

"We'd urge company leaders to take a look," said Nasir. "As we bounce back from COVID, we need to get this message out. There couldn't be more evidence that this is a powerful driver of growth for businesses. And what's even more powerful than that is that share schemes can create a more equitable economy in which everybody has a seat at the table. This is big vision stuff, but by making these changes now, the UK can change its business landscape for the better, forever."

Written by Rachel Miller.

Stay up-to-date with business advice and news

Sign up to our lively and colourful newsletter for new and more established small businesses.

Contact us

Make an enquiry