The team at PenLife Associates has set its sites firmly on the future after recently transitioning to an employee ownership trust model. Directors (clockwise from top left) Bernadette Render, Nina Wright, Deb Jacobs and Tom Hughes implemented the plan to ensure business longevity and now expect younger employees to take on more responsibility and drive the business forward.

Staff members went through a difficult period after one of the firm’s owners, Julie Wilson, died last year. Following her death it was agreed that, instead of selling to the highest bidder, the firm would be placed in the hands of its employees.

Those employees believe in helping the less fortunate and donate to multiple local and international charities, including York Against Cancer and the Stroke Association.

The firm continues to build on the business Wilson helped create. Directors say they are proud that the biggest source of new client enquiries is from referrals.

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