About us
Oakwood was established in 2009 and is the chosen provider of company secretarial services to an enviable client base, including UK and US-listed groups, private equity-backed companies, small and medium-sized enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.
The team is headed up by our directors, Michael Harris, Muriel Thorne and Lauren Cavanagh. Michael is a former corporate partner at Addleshaw Goddard; Muriel (who co-founded Oakwood with Michael) is an experienced Chartered Company Secretary and Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute; and Lauren is an experienced corporate lawyer who, prior to joining Oakwood in 2019, was a Legal Director at international law firm, DLA Piper.
Our team of company secretarial advisors has a wealth of expertise in all matters of company secretarial practice and procedure, coupled with unrivalled experience in advising a range of clients on company secretarial, corporate governance and compliance issues.
Our advisors are uniquely supported by no fewer than eight senior corporate lawyers and an outstanding team of company formation experts and professional administrators.
Our aim is to deliver the highest levels of technical excellence and personal service to clients, while providing a working environment which is both supportive and enjoyable. We look to develop all members of the team to fulfil their potential so that they can help grow the business, while building a long and rewarding career at Oakwood.
Employee Ownership
In August 2021, Oakwood became employee-owned, with a majority shareholding now held in trust for the benefit of all of our employees.
Every member of the team is now also an owner, giving clients the reassurance of knowing that – whoever they deal with – has a personal interest in ensuring that we always deliver the best possible service.
Our directors, Michael, Muriel and Lauren, serve as trustees of the employee trust, together with Joanne Howarth (our Finance and Systems Manager) and two independent trustees, Ed Jenkins and Glynn Jones – see ‘Our Team’ for further details.
Our employee-owned structure is intended to secure Oakwood’s long-term future as an independent business, which promotes and encourages employee engagement, personal development, employee well-being and job satisfaction and reward.
Community & Wellbeing
We recognise our corporate and social responsibility to our immediate and wider communities and encourage our team to support our partner charities as well as their own community through participation in a variety of socially supportive activities.
Our Charity and Social Committee organise social events throughout the year such as bake sales, Christmas collections and sponsored events for the whole team to be involved in.
Our Employee Ownership Trust Committee encourages our team to think as business owners and encourage and facilitate the engagement of Oakwood’s employees in the successful performance and development of the business. The EOT Committee also develops initiatives to support employee mental health and wellbeing such as book club, activity challenges and laughter yoga. This supports an inclusive and well balanced work environment where our people are provided with support and guidance to manage their wellbeing, resilience and personal development.