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Curtins, a consultancy for built environments, has taken the step of becoming an employee-owned trust that gives its employees the opportunity to influence business decisions and participate in the company’s financial success.

Curtins was founded in Liverpool in 1960 in the back room of the founder and professor of the Liverpool College of Building, Bill Curtin.

“Our work is in line with the Bills philosophy and principle of ensuring that our people are at the center of our company,” says Chief Executive Rob Melling.

With the new structure, all Curtins employees will share in the company’s financial performance and benefit from their efforts.

His previous stock ownership plan, in which employees owned approximately 25% of the company, was first introduced in 2002, shortly after Rob Melling joined the board of directors.

This participation program also made it possible for persons outside the board of directors to own shares in the company on the basis of certain admission criteria or to receive these as a reward for long service. This resulted in Curtins being listed in the top 50 employee-owned companies for a number of years prior to this transition.

At the time of this step, Rob Melling commented, “By making the transition now at a time when the prospects for Curtins are good, we believe the stars have aligned to produce significant benefits for our employees.”

Curtins employs over 350 people in its 14 offices in the UK and Ireland. It has maintained its independence since its inception, which the company believes is a strong and compelling reason why its clients choose it.

“While our employees have always focused on delivering what our customers need from us, we believe that participating in the EOT will give our employees an even greater desire to achieve our corporate goals and care for our customers is in place at the center. “Adds Melling.

To make the transition, members of the Curtins board of directors and other employee shareholders have transferred their shares to EOT in the confidence that it will be a positive step for the company and the people it employs.

“We really believe this is best for the company and our employees. For those who don’t understand, I’ll just wait, ”says Melling.

In the new structure, employees can influence business decisions via an employee forum consisting of 28 representatives from all Curtins offices.

Ultimately, the board of directors will continue to be responsible for running the business and be accountable to a board of trustees made up of two elected members of the staff forum.

Melling adds, “As an employee-owned foundation, I believe the company and the people who work within it will thrive in a truly collaborative structure.”