Media and marketing services EOT | Legal | M&A tax

Moore Kingston Smith advises Field Consulting on employee ownership transition

29 June 2026

Moore Kingston Smith has advised Field Consulting, the public affairs and corporate communications consultancy, on the sale of shares to its employees through the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

From 24 June, Field Consulting’s 19 employees will indirectly own the entire business following founder and chief executive Chris Rumfitt’s transition of ownership of the consultancy to an EOT. Field Consulting reported annual revenue of £3.44m in 2025, representing a 5% increase on the previous year, reflecting continued growth and strong demand across its core sectors.

Founded in London in 2014, Field Consulting brings together public affairs and communications specialists with expertise across energy, sustainability, transport, infrastructure and the built environment.

The firm provides a full suite of services including public affairs, corporate communications, community consultation and engagement, insight and digital services. Its client base includes GE Vernova, Eurostar, South Western Railway, Avanti, Ballymore and the Earls Court Development Company.

Rumfitt will remain as chief executive and will lead a newly formed board of directors, including chief operating officer Lucy Holbrook, senior directors Rob Jeffery and Tim Sculthorpe, and director Clarke Heron.

The firm has also established an employee council to ensure staff representation within the new structure. In addition, Vincent Fabri, associate director and head of insight and employee representative, has joined the trust board.

The project

The transition to EOT marks a significant milestone for Field Consulting, supporting its long-term sustainability while preserving its culture, values and independence in an increasingly consolidating UK public affairs and communications market.

It also positions the firm within a growing community of UK PR and communications businesses operating under EOT structures, including Citypress, Brands2Life, W Communications, Golley Slater, to which Moore Kingston Smith also advised on EOT transition, and Brazen.

Moore Kingston Smith has worked with Field Consulting since its inception in 2014, providing tax advisory and compliance, outsourcing, payroll and corporate finance services. With a clear objective to establish a long-term legacy for the business and its employees, Chris Rumfitt engaged Moore Kingston Smith to identify and implement the optimal ownership structure for the firm’s future success.

A multi-disciplinary team spanning corporate finance, tax and legal worked seamlessly to develop and deliver a comprehensive plan, ensuring that all aspects of the transaction were carefully managed before, during and after completion.

The delivery

The integrated Moore Kingston Smith team was led by Dan Leaman, corporate finance partner; supported by James Henderson in the same team; Sarah Sparshott and Charlotte Henriksen in the tax team and Harry Dronfield and Vida McShane in the legal team (Moore SGD Law).

The project involved several complex considerations, including:

• valuation sensitivity analysis supported by robust rationale;
• navigating the legal and tax new requirements of EOT legislation;
• maintaining business continuity throughout the transition;
• structuring arrangements for different selling shareholder groups,
• including founder and minority shareholders; and
• advising on the exercise of an Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme as part of the EOT transaction.

The result is a smooth transition to an EOT structure that guarantees the continuity of the business while realising shareholder value and enhancing employee engagement, retention and performance. Field Consulting retains its independence, culture and long-term strategy through a tax-efficient exit and a sustainable ownership model to support future growth and stability.

Chris Rumfitt, founder and chief executive at Field Consulting, commented:
“We’ve always believed that a PR and communications consultancy is the sum of the talents of its people, collectively harnessed by its culture. With that philosophy in mind and as a people-centre organisation, I could not be more thrilled to transfer ownership of the company to our team, who drive us forward every day.

“The multi-disciplinary Moore Kingston Smith team with corporate finance, legal and tax involved provided clear, pragmatic advice throughout the project, helping us navigate with confidence a complex process when the tax landscape was changing. Their collaborative and hands-on approach and deep financial, legal and tax expertise ensured we achieved an outcome that works for both our people and the long-term ambitions of the firm.”

Dan Leaman, corporate finance partner, Moore Kingston Smith, concluded:
“We are delighted to have supported Field Consulting on its transition to employee ownership. EOTs continue to be an attractive option for founder-led businesses seeking to create a legacy while maintaining independence and rewarding their employees.

“This transaction required a truly integrated approach across disciplines. By working closely with the Field Consulting team, we were able to structure a solution that balanced shareholder value and long-term sustainability. We wish Chris and the whole team at Field Consulting continued success in this new chapter.”