The Leith-based firm’s 17 employees now hold a significant stake in the company, with its equity entrusted to an employee ownership trust (EOT). The trust is tasked with protecting the business on behalf of its staff, funded through the sale of shares by the previous owner, which will be paid off using company profits over several years.

Since 2012, Clean Digital has focused on pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, creating tailored strategies to improve the profitability of campaigns. The firm will continue under the leadership of managing director Rory Young, who has been with the company since 2013, alongside two newly-appointed board directors.

Mr Young said: “It’s been an exciting journey for us! After over a decade of success in the market, we’re thrilled to announce that Clean Digital is now fully employee owned.

“In recent years we have been focused on developing a long-term plan and importantly thinking about a fairer structure. Our business has performed incredibly well and continues to grow in the market, and we wanted to reward the hard work and commitment of our people.

“We pride ourselves on being an innovative, dynamic agency. Giving our staff transparency and reassurance moving forward, as well as placing them at the heart of the business was of utmost importance.

“An Employee Ownership Trust was right for us because it embodies our company culture, one where we all feel responsible for the business performance and success. Also, it reflects our long-held belief that the success of the company comes from having a brilliant, positively engaged team where everyone is personally invested and plays their part to ensure that we deliver.”

The change in ownership does not affect the leadership or business location. In addition, it is expected to have a positive societal impact by sustaining local jobs, promoting greater income equality and fostering job creation. Employee representation will be handled by two trustee directors, elected by employees with at least six months of service and a minimum of two years with the company.

Clean Digital has seen significant growth over the past two years, with a 55% average increase in revenue. This has led to an expansion in staff numbers from 10 to 17. Additionally, the company has enhanced its data and analytics services, reinforcing its standing in the PPC marketing sector.

Transition to employee ownership was facilitated by Baxendale Employee Ownership.

Ewan Hall, director at Baxendale, said: “Employee Ownership has been around for decades, but we have seen a real acceleration in the sector recently as more and more businesses become aware of it as an ownership option.

“In particular, we are seeing more businesses like Clean Digital and owners like Rory Young consider it earlier in their business’ development.

“Employee Ownership is not just for retiring owners coming to the end of their working lives; it also works for dynamic young businesses and founders who want a broader, fairer ownership structure that incentivises future success and recognises the collective effort that will support this.”

From its Edinburgh base, Clean Digital delivers results-driven digital marketing strategies for a wide range of clients, including Dobbies Garden Centre and Arden University. As an employee-owned business, Clean Digital anticipates this shift will be advantageous to its ongoing partnerships and further business growth.

Louise Niven, customer director at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “Clean Digital are very much an extension of our team, having supported on some of our biggest campaigns to-date with strong results delivered. This is an exciting step forward in their future, and we wish them all the best with this development.”

Ronny Nilsson, head of demand generation at Arden University, commented: “Working with Clean Digital has been a collaborative, rewarding experience, and their focus on innovation alongside a results-driven approach has significantly boosted our digital presence.

“Their move to become an employee-owned business is a reflection of their core values, ensuring that those who are closest to the work and who understand our needs most intimately are now at the heart of the decision-making process. We look forward to continuing our partnership during this exciting new chapter in Clean Digital’s journey.”