OakNorth Backed an Employee‑Ownership Shift at SES
OakNorth, a digital bank built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, just handed SES a tidy £2.5 m loan. The funding’s purpose? To launch an Employee Ownership Trust, giving the crew a genuine stake in the company they help keep humming.
About SES: The Power‑Player for the Entertainment Scene
Founded in 1994 by brothers Mark and Gordon Cooper, this Slough‑based firm has turned into a global power‑distribution powerhouse, with hubs in the UK, across Europe, and even the Middle East. Their gear falls into two broad buckets: permanent and temporary.
- Temporary: From lighting up touring bands and theatre houses to bringing juice to outdoor film sets, festival fields, and other power‑scarce spots.
- Permanent: Wall‑mounted boxes for theatres, film and TV studios, exhibition halls, and industrial sites.
Customer‑first is the mantra here—over 75 % of their products are custom‑built to meet the unique needs of each client.
From The Big Stage to The Big Games
SES’s cables and circuits have powered Major League sports events: Formula 1, Wimbledon, the Champions League, and every Olympic Games since the 2000 Athens edition. With 34 full‑time staff and a trio of consultants, most employees stay on board longer than a decade—some even boast over 20 years.
Co‑Founder’s Words on the New Initiative
Mark Cooper, Managing Director: “Honestly, our growth has always been fueled by the dedication of our team. The idea of giving them ownership feels natural—a way to keep attracting top talent and keep the business moving forward. OakNorth’s support made setting up the Employee Ownership Trust straightforward, and as a fellow founder‑led firm, they truly understand what this means for us.”
OakNorth’s Perspective on the Deal
Martin Williams, Director of Debt Finance: “SES is a seasoned leader with a strong customer base—90% of their business comes from repeat orders. The average tenure of their staff tops a decade, underscoring their culture’s success. More companies are adopting employee‑ownership trusts to reward loyal teams and secure a tax break. For SES, this move offers a clear succession plan while honoring the crew’s hard work.”
What This Means for the Future
The loan and trust set up a solid framework for the next generation of owners. Employees will now share in the company’s success, fostering loyalty and potentially sparking even bigger, more ambitious projects down the road.
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