Recent statistics published by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) show that the number of employee share schemes hit a record high in the UK in 2016-17.
- a 12% increase in the number of companies using employee share schemes to 13,070 in 2016-17 from 11,760 in 2015-16;
- 75% increase in the amount of tax relief on the enterprise management incentive scheme to £280m in 2016-17 from £160m in 2015-16; and notably,
- companies using save-as-you-earn (SAYE) and share incentive plans fell from 1,430 in 2015-16 to 1,400 in 2016-17
Andrew Wilson, Partner said: ‘Employee share schemes allow employers to grant share options to key employee’s tax efficiently, as a reward for their efforts within the business and/or to retain and incentivise key staff. They have become a large part of UK start-up culture, and can fuel business growth. They also offer management a flexible exit strategy from the business.”
If you would like to discuss please contact Andrew himself on 01788 539000, or Jon Kicks on 0116 261 0061.