Read Chapter 24: — THE OFFER

A national interiors company offered to invest in Sunward Weaves.

Unlike the earlier acquisition proposal, this one did not require a sale. They wanted thirty percent, access to production capacity and an option to increase ownership later.

The money could fund a large new site, automated finishing equipment and a sales team.

Everyone had an opinion.

Martin liked the scale.

George feared losing design control.

Daniel feared debt.

Callum wanted better wages.

Claire wanted professional governance.

Rebecca wanted Martin medically prohibited from making decisions after midnight.

They hired an independent adviser and spent six weeks examining terms.

The final decision surprised Martin.

They declined the investment and instead converted Sunward into an employee-and-community-owned company with a smaller ethical finance package.

Martin retained a minority stake and no unilateral control.

"Does that hurt?" Claire asked.

"Terribly."

"Good. Growth."

He smiled.

The structure meant Sunward could not easily be sold by one ambitious founder.

It also meant Martin could not recreate his old empire even if tempted.

He found that oddly comforting.