Case study: How Trussell divested its Retail Arm to Shaw Trust

What Was Achieved though the Divestment of Trussell Retail Arm to Shaw Trust

After an extensive searched based on agreed criteria Eastside People identified and secured several organisations that were interested in taking over the retail operation and interested in investing in an expansion of their existing Retail Portfolio. After reviewing all the options Trussell decide to move forward with The Shaw Trust which had twenty-three shops across the country and a commitment to charity retail.

Shaw Trust are the UK’s largest employability charity and they are always keen to layer and integrate their services, such as running children’s care homes and employability contracts, to provide better employment outcomes. To invest in such a successful retail arm and to generate volunteering and work experience opportunities was a win win for both organisations.

Since the transition Shaw Trust has already been able to report some key success metrics; including registering 3,000 donors and volunteers within six months of the shops transferring over from Trussell.

The new shops performed well, and a very interesting metric is that they also contributed to Shaw Trust’s carbon-negative status (they estimate for every 1 LB of donated goods that offsets about 3 1/2 kilogrammes of carbon), a brilliant success measure in these current times.

From Trussell’s perspective the project was also a success: all jobs at TRL were secured, and the retail arm was handed over to a Shaw in a healthy financial position (having achieved around £120,000 profit in 2023/24). Staff at TRL gained new prospects for growth, while Trussell could now prioritise its strategic goals and transformation programme.

Moreover, the collaboration allowed Shaw Trust to scale their operations, professionalise their portfolio, and integrate different teams and cultures. This integration has led to shared ideas and improved operational excellence.

Both organisations have been really pleased with the project and the support from Eastside People.

Tina Higgs, Director of Finance, Trussell

“I found the consultants were knowledgeable, approachable, and deeply committed to finding a solution for our retail operation that aligned with our mission and values. They brought clarity and calm to what could have been a complex and emotional process.”

“They guided us through each stage with care and professionalism. Their structured approach helped us stay focused on finding the best organisation to take over the retail portfolio, while their flexibility meant we could adapt as needed. We always felt supported.

We are proud of the outcome. Trussell Retail Limited (TRL) has found a new home with an organisation that shares our values. Eastside People played a key role in making that happen, and we are grateful for their support in helping us to find the perfect partner and ensuring a smooth and successful transition.”

James Robertson, Chief Financial Officer Shaw Trust

“We found the engagement with Eastside People to be highly professional, efficient, and enjoyable, providing effective management of the various stakeholders and considerations across the breadth of the project. As a result of the hard work of Eastside People and the teams we have managed to achieve a fantastic result that has given the services a bright future and new home.

This story really is a win- win for both organisations, but more importantly for the individuals that they support.”