^{Pictured (left to right): Ian Caunter, Dan Stokes, Tim Kivell, Russell Steer, Mark Bromell (Managing Director), Mark Bunt, Thomas Rattray, Simon Alford (Chairman) - Kivells' strengthened shareholding management team following the company's transition to a hybrid Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) model.}

Today we confirm a significant step in our future development with the transition of the business into a hybrid Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) model. 

This structure combines employee ownership with continued senior management and shareholder involvement, ensuring the business remains both independently governed and strongly led by its existing leadership team. It is designed to secure long-term stability while placing employees at the heart of the organisation’s future direction. 

Under the new model, staff will benefit from an indirect stake in the business, strengthening engagement and ensuring their contribution plays a meaningful role in shaping Kivells going forward. Clients and stakeholders can expect full continuity in service, relationships and local decision-making. 

The move reflects Kivells' confidence in its future as well as its respect for its past. Building on more than 140 years of history, the hybrid Employee Ownership Trust helps ensure the business remains independent, locally led and true to the values that have underpinned its success. It also provides a strong foundation for future growth, investment and succession, allowing Kivells to continue serving its customers and communities for generations to come. 

For clients and stakeholders, there will be no change to the way Kivells operates, with the same trusted people, local decision-making and commitment to delivering excellent service. 

The Executive Board of Directors, all of whom are shareholders, - Simon Alford (Chairman), Mark Bromell (Managing Director) and Mark Bunt are joined by new shareholders Dan Stokes, and Thomas Rattray - who will continue to lead the business, ensuring continuity as the company evolves under the new ownership structure. 

As part of this next phase, Russell Steer, Ian Caunter and Tim Kivell will become shareholders and take on more senior leadership responsibilities, further strengthening the management team and supporting the continued growth and development of the business. 

Mark Bromell, Managing Director at Kivells, said: “This is a defining moment for Kivells. The introduction of a hybrid employee ownership model secures our independence while bringing our people even closer to the heart of the business. It strengthens long-term stability, rewards contribution, and ensures continuity for our customers. Day to day, it remains business as usual—but with a clearer, stronger future ahead.” 

Simon Alford, Chairman at Kivells, said: "Every generation has a responsibility to leave Kivells stronger than it found it. The move to a hybrid Employee Ownership Trust achieves exactly that. It protects the independence and values that have defined Kivells since 1885, creates a clear succession for the future, and ensures the business continues to be led by people who are fully invested in its long-term success." 

Established in 1885, Kivells is one of the South West's leading independent firms of livestock auctioneers, chartered surveyors, estate agents and valuers. Operating from a network of offices and livestock markets across Devon and Cornwall, the business provides a comprehensive range of professional services to the agricultural, residential and rural property sectors. For more than 140 years, Kivells has built its reputation on trusted advice, local expertise and lasting relationships with the communities and clients it serves. 

The new Kivells Employee Ownership Trustee Board comprises Mark Champion as Chairman, and Simon Alford and Emma Horn as founder and employee trustee directors. 

Isca Ventures acted as the lead corporate finance advisers on the transaction, with taxation advice provided by Streets Bush and Cranedale Tax, and legal support provided by both Spencer West and Carmen Partners. 

Mark Champion, Partner at Isca Ventures, said: “We were delighted to put this transaction together, facilitate an expansion of management and employee ownership and deliver a long-term ownership structure for Kivells. This transaction crystalises a long association between Kivells and the Isca Ventures corporate finance team which has assisted in providing strategic advice to the management team over the last few years.”