NEWS2 July 2021

DJS Research moves to employee ownership

UK – Market research agency DJS Research has announced it has become employee-owned, with immediate effect, 20 years after it was founded.

Danny Sims and Ali Sims

The company’s shareholders, founder and managing director Danny Sims and director Ali Sims (pictured), have sold the majority of the business to the staff, who will jointly own it through an employee ownership trust.

DJS Research has offices in Stockport and Leeds and a network of remote staff, and employs around 100 people.

Board director Alasdair Gleed has taken over the role of managing director, while Danny Sims will move to the role of chairman following the move.

DJS Research was established in 2001 and carries out qualitative and quantitative research in the public, private and voluntary sectors, including retail, education, utilities, healthcare, FMCG, and charities.

The company worked with the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) to prepare for the change.

Danny Sims said: "We are so proud of the company we have created and how it has grown and evolved, and it’s really important that we protect its legacy and ensure it remains independent for many years to come. Employee ownership is a way to do this; it’s progressive and forward-thinking and offers a way to give back to our incredible and talented workforce who have made DJS Research everything it is today."