A COMPANY specialising in Volkswagen campervans says it is reaping the rewards of becoming one of Scotland’s first employee-owned businesses.

Jerba Campervans, of Halfland Barns, near North Berwick, was founded by husband-and-wife Simon Poole and Cath Brookes in 2005 and focuses in luxury conversions of the VW Transporter T6.

In January, it became 100 per owned by its staff.

In the months following, the business has experienced an 11 per cent rise in productivity, with revenue on track to grow 23 per cent to £2.7m for the year.

Mr Poole said: “We employ people who love what they do. As a result, we’ve benefited from amazing loyalty from those who have been instrumental in building the business.

“Becoming employee-owned was simply the right thing to do both morally and practically.

“Our productivity and growth figures for the year demonstrate what can be achieved with employee ownership.”

In becoming employee-owned, the two owners transferred all shares into the Jerba Campervans Trust.

The trust board is made up of one employee appointed by the directors; an employee elected by staff; and an external accountant.

The co-directors report to the trust board, which ensures the business is being run for the benefit of the employees.

Mr Poole said that the change was “benefiting every aspect” of the business.

He added: “Our staff are more invested in what we do – the wind in their sails is not letting up.”