Family shareholders of Lawsons Group have transferred 51% of Lawsons Holdings Limited into an independent ethical trust, as a gift, with no cash consideration.

Founded by a Quaker family in 1921, Lawsons has long operated on the principle that commercial success and ethical responsibility are not in conflict. That philosophy is now embedded in the business's legal structure.

Under the new arrangement, the new trust will protect Lawsons’ independence, culture, staff benefits and community commitments while day-to-day operations remain unchanged under the existing management team.

By turning ownership to an independent ethical trust, Chairman John Lawson, 93, has given up any personal financial gain to ensure Lawson's founding values can never be diluted, sold, or overridden. Lawson has led the business for 70 years and previously held a 50% shareholding. This move is permanent and irreversible.

The business, which generates approximately £180 million in annual turnover, operates 35 branches, and runs a fleet of around 150 vehicles.  It has net assets in excess of £87 million.

The trust is legally bound to preserve the benefit of the shareholding for current and past employees and their families which means:

  • Independence: Lawsons cannot be sold to private equity, publicly listed, or absorbed by an acquirer that does not share its values
  • People-first culture: Decisions must continue to reflect the prioritisation of staff welfare
  • Long-term commitments to suppliers and trade customers, providing long-term commercial stability across its network
  • Community responsibilities: alongside multiple local initiatives, international action such as rebuilding efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa

John Lawson, Owner and Chairman of Lawsons, said: “For more than a century, Lawsons has been built on doing things properly, treating people fairly, and supporting our communities. My question has always been what happens to those values when I’m no longer running the company?

"This structure answers that, it protects them in law, permanently. I’ve never wanted to sell the business or pursue short-term gain. What matters is that Lawsons stays true to its principles and values for the next 100 years”.

The gift comes at a time when the builders’ merchant sector is undergoing increased consolidation, with independent businesses being acquired by larger listed groups and private equity-backed operators. In contrast, the Lawson family has chosen to forgo any financial return in order to secure the company’s long-term independence and values.

The trust will be overseen by five trustees: John Lawson, Simon Lawson, Andrew Henshaw, Ciaran Morton and Chris Harrison. Their role is to ensure the principles set out in the trust are upheld over time.

Ciaran Morton, Trustee and Group Marketing Director at Lawsons, said: “The trust provides a clear ownership framework that protects how the business operates, from how we treat our people to how we work with customers and suppliers. Nothing changes day to day, but it ensures long-term stability and protects those principles for the future.”