George Weil and Sons Limited

Last Updated on 9 April 2026

About the Company

George Weil & Sons Limited is a specialist supplier of the highest quality art and craft supplies based in Godalming, Surrey. From pencils and paintbrushes, through to looms and spinning wheels, their shop in Godalming, Surrey is a cornucopia of arts and crafts tools, and one of the very few suppliers of spinning wheels and handlooms in the country.

Originally established in 1891 and incorporated 1936, the company was owned by Ian and Susan Bowers for the last 25 years. Over that time, they and their employees have cemented the company’s reputation not only as a true specialist, but for superb customer service. The small team knows their customers and products inside out and show a commitment to delivery that’s second to none.

It made sense, therefore, for Ian and Susan to put the employees first when retirement started to call. “After many years at the helm, it was time for us to pass on the business – and I’m delighted that the new owners will be the employees who’ve worked so hard alongside me to make George Weil such a success”, said Ian.

Jo Barrell, a long serving employee and one of the EOT Trustees, said, “We’re all a bit nervous but excited at the same time! Even though Ian’s no longer the owner, it’s nice to know that he’ll be around to give us support for as long as we need it. What’s really good about this arrangement is that, although we’re now the owners, any big changes to the way the company’s run won’t happen overnight. George Weil really feels like a family, so it’s much more comfortable for us than if the company had been sold to a stranger.”

How RM2 helped

RM2 acted as advisers to the Company on their EOT transaction, including preparing an initial feasibility study to identify a realistic sale value and debt repayment schedule that balanced the sellers’ requirements with affordability for the company and the employees.

RM2 arranged all legal documents and the independent valuation required for the transaction, as well as ensuring on completion that the relevant documents were safely submitted to HRMC and the Trust was correctly registered. In managing the transaction from start to finish, we were also able to visit the employees and explain the impact and the benefits of the transaction for them.

“We’d like to thank our advisers, RM2, who oversaw the process and explained how it all works to everyone”, said Ian

George Weil is now wholly owned by an EOT with the employees looking forward to celebrating the company’s 135th anniversary as an employee-owned business!