Considering an EOT? The next 8 weeks may matter more than you think.

With the Autumn Budget scheduled for 28 October 2026, many owner-managed businesses are reviewing succession and exit plans.

There is currently no indication that Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) relief itself is under threat. However, tax advisers are increasingly focused on the possibility of wider changes to Capital Gains Tax, Business Asset Disposal Relief and other business succession incentives.

For owners already considering succession and/or an exit, the key question is not “What will the Budget do?” but rather “Is there a commercially justified transaction that we would pursue anyway?”

Too often, owners delay succession planning while waiting for a perfect moment that never arrives.

An EOT can deliver:

• A succession solution that preserves the business’s independence
• Long-term employee engagement and ownership
• A tax-efficient route to retirement for qualifying sellers
• A framework for sustainable stewardship beyond the founder generation

For businesses that have already begun exploring employee ownership, now is an appropriate time to:

• Review whether an EOT remains the right strategic outcome
• Assess transaction readiness
• Understand funding requirements
• Confirm valuation expectations
• Consider whether a pre-Budget timetable is realistic

Good succession/exit planning is never driven solely by rumours. But equally, major transactions shouldn’t be left until after a Budget if all the commercial reasons for proceeding are already there.

The best time to review your options is before decisions are made for you.

With Autumn Budget speculation likely to intensify over the coming weeks, business owners considering succession, an EOT, an MBO or other exit routes should ensure they understand their options and are transaction ready.

RM2 is already helping business owners assess their succession and ownership strategies and would be pleased to discuss whether an EOT could be the right solution for your business. 

Contact us and we can arrange a time for you to speak to one of our specialist advisors.