Marketing Agency Chooses Staff Over Sale

Clone becomes employee-owned

Clone Media, the award-winning marketing services agency established in 2010, has announced its transition to an Employee Owned Trust (EOT), making all 22 team members co-owners of the business.

The decision to transition to employee ownership reflects the founders’ commitment to preserving Clone’s culture and ensuring long-term stability for the team that built the business.

“We explored various exit options over the past few years, but were concerned about the potential for job losses and the loss of culture,” said Joel Dalton, Co-Founder. “We’ve built something special and wanted to ensure that it continues long after we step back.”

Effective from 11 July, the transition will see employees receive annual tax-free bonuses when the company hits performance targets, with additional profit-sharing opportunities once the founders have been fully bought out.

Clone, which serves clients from education and technology sectors to retail and healthcare, has consistently grown against challenging industry conditions. The company holds ISO 9001 and 27001 certifications, maintains Carbon Neutral Britain status, and recently achieved Great Place to Work certification with 94% employee satisfaction.

“The decision reflects our core values of being thoughtful about people and the planet,” said Simon Drury, Co-Founder. “Rather than maximise short-term financial gain, we’re investing in the long-term success of our team and clients.”

The EOT structure will ensure decisions remain in the best interests of employees rather than external shareholders.

Clone Media joins a growing number of UK companies choosing employee ownership, a model that has shown resilience during economic uncertainty while maintaining company values and employment stability.

The company, which operates from its Basingstoke office, specialises in creative campaigns, exhibition stands, merch, print services, and packaging solutions. Recent client work includes campaigns for major brands in gaming, education, and FMCG sectors.