Our Story

The Eternal Business Consultancy exists because we believe that done right EO can change the lives of both selling owners and the team taking the business forward. Take it from two people who’ve actually done it!

Campbell founder of the Eternal Business

Campbell McDonald
Managing Director

Campbell McDonald is the MD of the Eternal Business Consultancy and has worked with and for EO businesses since 2008. He has supported dozens of teams to transition into EO models and turn ownership culture into successful business performance.

Campbell McDonald is also Chief Executive of independent research charity Ownership at Work which promotes the impact of sharing ownership and participation in the workplace, and recently published the EO Knowledge Programme, the UK’s largest ever study into the social and economic impacts of employee ownership (EO).

Campbell is former MD of EOT-owned advisory firm Baxendale and is currently the Independent Trustee at multiple EO businesses. Campbell is also an Executive Fellow at Rutgers University’s School of Management and Labour Relations’ Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing.

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Chris Budd
Founder

Chris Budd is one of the UK’s specialists in employee ownership for the SME market and the founder of the Eternal Business Consultancy.

Chris sold a majority of his financial planning business, Ovation Finance Ltd, to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in March 2018. Following the sale, Chris researched EOTs and created a model for an EOT transition which he captured in a book which  provides a guide for owners considering employee ownership: The Eternal Business (published by Harriman House).

Chris is the author of six books (including the Eternal Business) and lives in Somerset with his family and too many guitars.

Connect with Chris on Linked In ›

Chris

For transitions and everything after

We design transitions that are right for selling owners and excite the leaders and teams who step up. We work with Boards, Senior Managers, Trustees, Councils and teams of owners to help turn on EO and switch on EO performance so that everyone enjoys the benefits of ownership drive future business success.

We don’t just advise. We’ve done it and continue to live it. Chris transitioned his own business into EO in 2017 and Campbell successfully ran an EOT-owned advisory business from 2011-18, and . We hold multiple roles as Independent Trustees and non-executive directors in EO firms. 

We hope our clients take comfort and confidence from our unique expert-driven offer, blending hard-earned owner-manager-governance experience with specialist legal, accounting and technical EO knowledge and insights.

Contact us to find out how we can help
Story
Campbell and Eternal Business Consultancy have been instrumental every step of the way. They provided invaluable advice on making the EOT model work for us, expertly guiding us through the entire process, from structuring the deal and planning for succession to the crucial task of communicating the change to our team.
— Mike Vickery
MD, Coffee Bay
Campbell and his team are experts in all aspects. They understood the process and all legal aspects brilliantly but overlaid that with lots of practical advice about how to make an EOT work in the real world, combined with a deep understanding of the essential role company culture and values play in making the transition a success.
— Sarah Jennings
CEO, Oban International
Having Campbell by our side was absolutely invaluable. His calm guidance, expert coaching, and deep insight helped us navigate the complexities with confidence. He not only highlighted the right steps to take but also steered us away from potential pitfalls.
— Anne Bowes
MD, Lawrence Clarke Ltd
Campbell has brought fresh energy and clarity to our employee ownership journey. His simple, dynamic approach has really helped us re-ignite the purpose and potential of our EOT at Connick Tree Care.
— Dan Pennington
MD, Connick Tree Care
Campbell has built up the confidence of our Trust Board and been instrumental in helping to activate our employee ownership model.
— Dave Mann
Chief Executive, dxw
The most comprehensive, relevant and engaging training I have received in many years. The depth of knowledge that Campbell has in all things EO is staggering. I would recommend any vendor, trustee or advisor to go through a session with Campbell – it isn’t mandatory, but it should be.
— Tom Berry
Be Less Beige
Going through the Eternal Business Programme meant that when we met with the lawyers many of the decisions were already taken saving us a lot in legal fees.
— Chris Jordan
Director, Heron House Financial Management
Can I say what an excellent piece of work the course is? It’s been absolutely invaluable in helping our transition to an EOT, particularly in winning “hearts and minds” of the team.
— Perry Kerr
Owner, Bristol Business Centre
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