Hi,
I run a design studio with my business partner and we are both 50% shareholders. We currently have a low salary and top up each month with dividends. We have agreed that I will not take a salary or dividends whilst away and will only receive the statutory pay as we need to pay someone else to replace me, which I'm fine with.
I'm planning to go back to work part time after around 6/7 months (due in mid Nov), however I wanted to hear advice on an issue regarding company shares.
Basically, is it unfair on my business partner for me to return to work part time as a company director and expect the same number of shares that I currently have? I'm confused as to what the norm is. The company is just over two years old and we've obviously both put everything into this in the time we've been running it, but if I'm returning part time there will be a substantial reduction in how involved I can be in general day to day things so i'd like any advice on this please.
If a reduction of shares is fair then what would a fair share split be? I plan to return to work 3 days per week and she will remain at 5 days per week.
On another note, if we did keep it 50/50 is there a way for the company pay structure to change (to reflect the change in hours worked) but for the shares to be separate to this? Or would this mean changing the company set up?
Any advice much appreciated!!
Kelly