Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share option schemes are excellent for attracting, motivating, and retaining key members of staff and are suitable for many small businesses. They are tax efficient and straightforward to administer. Within the scheme share options are issued to staff on a completely discretionary basis. The employees then have the option to purchase shares in the company at a fixed price (usually the current value) at some point in the future (usually three to ten years from the date of the option). As your company grows the value of the shares increases, hence the options become valuable. Restrictions in the shares and option contracts mean that you always retain control of the company, the options or shares cannot be transferred and the employee will forfeit the options if they leave.
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