A bingo group that operates in Fife has become Scotland’s largest employee-owned firm.
Carlton Bingo chain operates 10 venues across Scotland, including one in Dunfermline, and employs more than 200 people nationwide.
It has made the move to employee ownership following a “positive rebound” after the challenges and closures brought about by the pandemic.
The company has now put its shares into an employee ownership trust (EOT), which will see its staff given a stake in the business.
The four major shareholders Chris Barr, George Carter, Brian King and Peter Perrins said it was a way of acknowledging staff’s loyalty and commitment.
Mr Carter said: “It might sound like a cliché but we are very much like a family business here.
“The sale to an employee ownership trust fitted exactly with what we wanted.
“By transferring the shareholding to an EOT, the future of Carlton Bingo is secure for our loyal staff and customers.”
Bingo group employs 30 in Fife
The move comes as the bingo chain recovers from the impact of the pandemic, which shut one venue for 400 days.
Managing director Mike Watret said: “We have recovered well from what was a challenging time.
“Eight of our 10 locations exceeded their targets for March and several are outperforming their 2019 results.
“This is testament to the hard work and loyalty of our staff.”
Finance director Leslie Ross, who has worked for at Carlton for almost 30 years, praised the long service of many employees.
The firm employs 30 people at its Dunfermline venue at Fife Leisure Park.
“The combined company length of service stands at over 1,500 years,” he said.
“We recently celebrated a 40-year service anniversary for one employee in Dunfermline.
“Carlton has a great culture that fosters commitment and long service. “
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