A Local Printer Ltd has been an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) since September 8, 2022, when the two owners of ALP transferred 80% of the business to the employees. This employee ownership fosters engagement, commitment, and a shared sense of purpose aimed at improving performance and stability.

What is an EOT company?

An employee-owned business is a company where employees hold a significant or majority stake in the company. This setup ensures that ALP employees are consulted and can contribute to company decisions, promoting a consensus that reflects the interests of the business.

Key advantages of being an EOT business

Having employees also serve as owners creates a stronger dedication to the company's success, boosting motivation and commitment. At ALP, we are proud to share profits with our employees – effectively giving them a stake in the business's success. 

Our employees are deeply committed to the company's success and actively seek ways to improve efficiency, cut costs, and innovate. Collaboration across departments, along with a shared sense of purpose, has further empowered our staff, making them a fully integrated, motivated, and loyal team.

Being an EOT business also offers stability. Involving employees in decision-making makes it less likely that the business will be sold, helping to preserve jobs and company values. At ALP, our transparent decision-making process keeps employees engaged and focused on building a stronger, more profitable company.

What being an EOT means us

As an Employee Owned Trust, we are dedicated to the well-being of our employees and customer satisfaction. At ALP, we aim to deliver quality products at fair prices while meeting customer needs promptly. We focus on generating profits to share through cost-saving measures and employee-led innovations. Our achievements stem from shared goals, a unified and motivated team, and a strong desire for success. As a company deeply committed to sustainability and ethical practices, aligning employee ownership with sustainable business strategies is especially meaningful. It promotes initiatives that benefit not only the company but also the wider community and environment.

Where It All Started

Founded in 1978, the business became a limited company in 1980. In 2003, it was sold to the current management team, and since then, we have consistently re-invested in the company, establishing ourselves as an online specialist in eco-friendly printing.

Our major turning point was in 2005 when we lost a key customer who chose to handle laser printing internally. Recognizing the urgency to avoid catastrophe, we looked for quick solutions. Already passionate about the growing eco movement—focusing on organic products, recycling, and environmental issues—we had an epiphany. This realisation was like a bright light shining down on us, with symbols of success and a large billboard labelled ‘eco-printing’ guiding us toward the future.

Within six months, we engaged a web designer, launched a new website, moved to larger premises, tested nearly all recycled and eco-friendly papers (which was a limited selection at the time), sourced and experimented with vegetable oil-based inks, rebranded, developed new products, and invested in two new presses. We then waited. After six months in 'the sin bin,' Google recognized our permanence, and suddenly, customer interest and business surged – eager for an eco printer with an online ordering system.

We are very proud that A Local Printer was the UK's first online printer to offer a completely environmentally friendly print service. Our products remain as eco-conscious today as they were in 2006, when our website launched. Developing a fully eco-friendly printing platform reflected our passion for contributing to environmental preservation, and I genuinely believe we have made a small difference.