ROL Cruise transitions to an Employee Ownership Trust, giving a majority stake to its staff.
- This move aims to safeguard the firm’s independence while ensuring long-term stability.
- Celebrating its 30th anniversary, ROL Cruise highlights its outstanding employee retention.
- Rosie Cairns steps up as CEO with Sarah Wikevand focusing on partnerships.
- The employee-owned model is seen as a strategic investment in ROL Cruise’s future.
ROL Cruise, a well-regarded independent cruise retailer, has announced its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), granting a majority stake to dedicated staff members. This decision reflects a commitment to maintaining corporate independence while ensuring the company’s legacy remains in trusted hands. This landmark change aims to foster long-term stability, protect employment, and provide enhanced opportunities for employee involvement in the company’s future successes.
As the transition unfolds, Rosie Cairns will take on the role of chief executive, with Sarah Wikevand continuing as managing director. Her focus will remain on strengthening key relationships and expanding strategic collaborations with commercial partners, driving the company’s growth and innovation. Former chairman, Jez Dickinson, will lend his expertise to the board as part of the corporate trustee, contributing to the company’s strategic direction.
The shift to an employee-owned model is timely as ROL Cruise approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025. This change not only celebrates the company’s rich heritage but also secures the future for its 138 employees, known for their loyalty and long tenure. With an impressive staff retention rate of 98%, nearly half of the employees have been with the company for over five years, and a significant number have remained for a decade or longer. Such dedication underscores the firm’s commitment to its workforce, with one employee celebrating nearly three decades since the company’s inception.
Rosie Cairns commented on this pivotal move, expressing excitement for securing the future of ROL Cruise through employee ownership. She emphasised that this transition is intended to ensure long-term stability and maintain independence, while also creating new job opportunities. Cairns reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting the local economy in Colchester and maintaining its reputation for excellence in the cruise travel sector.
Jez Dickinson reflected on his tenure, expressing satisfaction in leaving a legacy of employee ownership as the next generation takes the lead. He praised the team’s passion and dedication, which have been integral to reaching this milestone, and voiced his confidence in their ability to continue shaping the future of ROL Cruise.
ROL Cruise’s shift to employee ownership promises to secure its future while empowering its dedicated workforce.
