• Swindon & Wiltshire M&A, deals
• Tuesday May 12 2026

Skateboard retailer Route One flips to employee ownership

UK streetwear and skateboard retailer Route One Retail has flipped to employee ownership with support from PKF Francis Clark.

Established in a terraced house in Bristol in 1989, Route One has 10 stores – in Bath, Bristol, Brighton, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Oxford and Southampton – and a fast‑growing online platform, supported by a social media following of more than 300,000 people.

The business also designs and manufactures its own in‑house clothing line, the Route One Collection, and has long‑standing relationships with more than 100 global brands, including Nike SB, Adidas, New Balance, Carhartt WIP, and Vans.

The move to an employee ownership trust provides shareholders and the management team with a succession plan, which safeguards the company’s independence, culture and community focus.

The business is well positioned for continued growth, following significant recent investment in systems, a redesigned website and app, extended warehouse facilities at its South Gloucestershire headquarters, and an expanded senior leadership team.

PKF Francis Clark’s corporate finance, valuation and tax specialists advised Route One’s shareholders on the transition to employee ownership.

Richard Boissevain, founder and CEO, said: “After 35 years building Route One, it was important to me that the business remained true to its core values, its people and the community it serves.

“An employee ownership structure does exactly that – it keeps Route One independent, purpose‑driven and aligned with the culture of our customers and team.

“PKF Francis Clark guided us through each stage of the process with clarity, professionalism and genuine care. Their support made a complex transaction straightforward and ensured we found the right long‑term solution for the business.”

Nicola Manclark, Bristol-based tax partner at PKF Francis Clark, added: “Route One is a standout example of a UK retailer thriving through authenticity, community and long‑term thinking.

“Transitioning to employee ownership from a position of strength allows the business to protect its independence, reward its people and invest confidently in its future.

“We’re proud to have supported the team on this important milestone and look forward to seeing the next chapter of Route One’s growth under employee ownership.”