The Peak Performance Trust: An ESOP Built for SMEs
Reward your team, secure your legacy.
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The Smarter Way to Share Success
Employee ownership is one of the most effective ways to grow, retain, and reward your team while planning for your eventual exit. This webinar introduces the Peak Performance Trust (PPT), a purpose-built employee share ownership plan designed specifically for Australian privately owned companies.
The PPT combines equity participation, tax efficiency, performance-based funding, and strong governance in one structure. It helps business owners attract and retain top talent, while also creating a scalable, succession-ready model.
Learning Highlights
- A clear understanding of how the Peak Performance Trust works as an employee ownership structure.
- Insights into tax advantages for both employers and employees under current legislation.
- Practical knowledge of funding options including salary sacrifice, profit share, and tax-exempt contributions.
- An overview of governance and compliance requirements to ensure smooth plan administration.
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How the PPT can support staged exits and long-term succession planning for founders.
Designed for Business Owners and Advisers
- Business owners who want to retain staff, improve business performance, and prepare for a future exit.
- Financial advisers and accountants seeking to provide clients with compliant and tax-efficient employee ownership solutions.
- Succession and exit planners who need to understand the Peak Performance Trust as a tool for business transition.
- Board members and HR leaders exploring strategies to boost employee engagement and business resilience.
If you are advising or managing SMEs in Australia, this webinar will give you practical insights into employee share ownership.
Find Answers To Common Questions Here
We know you may have questions about employee ownership plans. Here are some common FAQs to help you understand how the Peak Performance Trust can simplify governance, provide tax benefits, support staged exits, and let employees share in business success while protecting company equity.
Q1. What is the Peak Performance Trust (PPT)?
The PPT is a trust-based employee share ownership plan designed for Australian SMEs. Shares are held on behalf of employees by a trustee, ensuring simplified administration and legal compliance.
Q2. How does the PPT differ from direct share schemes?
Unlike direct schemes where employees personally hold shares, the PPT centralises ownership in a trust. This protects confidentiality, simplifies governance, and avoids ex-employees retaining equity.
Q3. Can employees buy into the plan?
Yes. Employees can participate through salary sacrifice, direct purchase at market value, or via profit share contributions made by the company.
Q4. What are the tax benefits of the PPT?
Employer contributions are tax deductible, and qualifying plans under Division 83A provide employees with deferred taxation, sometimes for up to 15 years.
Q5. How does performance-based funding work?
Equity is linked to company performance benchmarks. For example, a percentage of profits above a set target may be contributed to the trust and distributed among participating employees.
Q6. What happens when an employee leaves the business?
Ex-employees cannot retain equity. Depending on whether they are classified as a good or bad leaver, their units are either redeemed in full or subject to a discount.
Q7. How often are valuations updated?
Plans are reviewed annually using an independent valuation process, ensuring employees have up-to-date information on their holdings and the company’s value.
Q8. Is the PPT suitable for staged exits?
Yes. Founders can gradually transfer ownership over time, enabling succession without requiring a full sale upfront.
Q9. How is the PPT administered?
Succession Plus provides ongoing governance, compliance support, and technology through the My Share Plan app, which gives employees direct access to their holdings and tax statements.
Q10. What size businesses benefit most from the PPT?
The PPT is best suited to privately owned SMEs that want to improve retention, reward performance, and create an exit-ready structure.