Mon, 11 Aug 2025

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 Entertainer founder hands over toy shop chain to staff

The toy retailer's 1,900 workers will get a share of profits and a say in how the business is run.

* The founder of UK toy chain Entertainer, Gary Grant, is transferring 100% ownership of the business to an employee trust.
* This means 1,900 staff members will have a share of profits and a say in how the company is run.
* The transfer is expected to complete next month, after which the family's Christian ethos and values are expected to remain intact.
* Employee-owned trusts allow companies to distribute profits among employees and provide long-term stability.
* Entertainer's CEO Andrew Murphy said it was a "huge responsibility" to continue the legacy of the business.
* Gary Grant will receive a payout for transferring ownership, which will be taken from future profits.
* The company has posted pre-tax profits of £6.7m in its last annual accounts and has seen growth despite challenges such as the financial crisis and Covid pandemic.
* Entertainer's charity donations have also increased, with 10% of annual profits going to good causes.
* Staff members are welcoming the move, saying it will give them more of a stake in the company's success.
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