THE first scheme of its kind in the UK leisure industry will see staff at Bluestone soon be made shareholders in the multi-million pound business.

Bluestone National Park Resort has an annual turnover of £23million and thanks to a new Employee Benefit Trust will invite eligible staff to join the scheme benefiting from profits the company makes.

Every year, all staff who have served for a minimum of 12 months continued service will become eligible for shares, in line with the Share Incentive Plan policy (SIP).

CEO, and Bluestone founder, William McNamara has been planning the scheme for more than a year and the final plans have now been approved by the business’ Board of Directors.

The proposal means a 30% shareholding will be transferred into the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT).

“It was always part of the plan from day one that staff would own part of the company,” said Mr McNamara. “This is a very proud moment for me, my fellow directors and shareholders.”

Mr McNamara said that his original vision for Bluestone, which began some two decades ago, has been realised over the past three years.

"This culminated last year in the completion of our third phase which took the number of five star lodges, cottages and studio apartments to 344,” he said.

“Staff are at the heart of the customer experience at Bluestone and therefore our success as a business overall, so I’m delighted that our plans for an Employee Benefit Trust have become a reality.

“The SIP will reward staff for their incredible loyalty and commitment and ensure they have a new opportunity to be recognised for the outstanding job they do for our guests.

"We now have our sights firmly set on the future and our staff will continue to play a key part of this vision.”