Marketing agency marks 40th anniversary by becoming an Employee Ownership Trust

Marketing agency WAA Chosen is celebrating its 40-year anniversary by becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

The Sutton Coldfield-based agency’s founder Andy Wilson has transferred 100 per cent of the business to its employees, a decision designed to ensure its future independence and maintain its legacy as one of the longest standing marketing businesses in the region.

Following the transition to an EOT, WAA Chosen has enhanced its senior management team, including the recent appointment of Craig Matthews as managing director.

Andy Wilson, WAA Chosen’s founder, will becomes a trustee of the EOT and remain as a board director.

He said: “WAA Chosen has always been fiercely independent in its creativity, values and ethos and the decision to move to an Employee Ownership Trust will help to protect that legacy and carry the name forward into the future.

“Our success over the years has been built on putting our clients at the front and centre of the business and having an incredibly talented team to help support them in achieving their marketing objectives.

“It’s resulted in long and sustainable client relationships, which have helped drive the business forward and as we move to an EOT, we look to continue to flourish through working in this way.

“Just as importantly, becoming an EOT will empower our hugely talented staff team to take an active role in the business and their own future. It’s right they should have the opportunity to continue to build on their success and be rewarded for their hard work and commitment to the company.”

Craig Matthews said: “In 2026 we will achieve a landmark 40th anniversary for WAA Chosen, and there is no better way to celebrate that legacy than by putting the future of the agency into the hands of its people.

“By transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust, we are ensuring the independent spirit that has defined us for four decades remains our greatest strength.

“This independence and the creative freedom it brings will continue to deliver impressive results to the brands we work with and contribute significantly to the long-term stability of both our clients and WAA Chosen as a business.”

WAA Chosen has a 50-plus staff team working across specialist hubs in food and drink, automotive and building and construction with high profile companies such as Diageo, Volkswagen Group and Tarmac among the client roster for the business.

Pictured: Andy Wilson officially handing over the business to Craig Matthews