Footprint successfully completes MBO

We are delighted to announce that Footprint has successfully completed a management buy-out as a result of which Paul Kempton’s ownership of the business has been transferred to its CEO, Zoe Jones and its Senior Account Manager, Hannah Scott-Stone, who has also been appointed as a Director.

This transaction is the final part of a planned transition to secure the long-term future of the business in a way that preserves the continuity of Footprint’s culture, values and client relationships.

In the words of Paul Kempton,

“One of the dilemmas of any business owner, especially when the business has been long-established, is how best to hand over the reins and when. 

I have been clear in my own mind that I want Footprint to be able to build on almost 30 years of operation and for it to thrive well beyond my active involvement. I want this not only for the great team that we’ve built up but also for our clients, so that they can rely on us being there to support them, as their businesses develop, for years to come. 

I have always been confident that the transfer of the business within the existing team is the best way of achieving this continuity in a smooth and seamless way, so I am delighted both that the MBO has been successfully completed and that the future of Footprint is in exceptionally good hands with Zoe and Hannah, two people I have known and worked with for many years.

That said, I’m not riding off into the sunset just yet. In my role as Founder, I will continue to work with and support Zoe, Hannah and the team as a consultant. I will also be continuing with my other business interests in music publishing administration, including FPM Music Publishing.

It’s an exciting new chapter for Footprint and I’m looking forward to playing my part in the continuing story.”

Zoe says,

“I want to thank Paul for choosing to transition the business to me and Hannah through a management buy-out and for the faith and trust he has shown in us as being the right people to take over .

I’m excited to be the owner of such a long-established and well-regarded business and am delighted to have Hannah alongside as co-owner. Footprint has been a part of Paul’s life for so long and it is a real honour to be given the opportunity to take it over from him and build on the foundations which he has created.

Our vision for the company remains aligned – we aim to continue to put our clients at the forefront of what we do; to be agile, so that we can adapt and grow with the demands of their businesses; and to be the natural port of call for music rights licensing for the media industry.”

Hannah says,

“I’m honoured to have been offered this opportunity by Paul. Having been mentored by Paul over the last 11 years, I know that these are big shoes to fill, but I’m excited to be working alongside Zoe in taking the Footprint business forward. 

To me, Footprint is more than just a company – it’s provided me with a career that I love and a supportive culture that encourages development and growth professionally.

I feel passionately about our clients, their businesses and the work we do, and look forward to a bright and successful future.”