Architect firm becomes employee-owned trust

NEWCASTLE design practice Ryder Architecture has become an Employee Ownership Trust to strengthen the future of the business.

- COREENA FORD Business writer

The Cooper's Studios-based company works on projects in sectors including education, healthcare, industrial, office, residential, science, hospitality and sport, with clients spread as far afield as Australia and Canada.

Ryder, which also has offices in London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Vancouver and Hong Kong, has made the move to become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), as of May 1, after marking 70 years of trading.

The practice, which has around 325 employees, was previously owned by 13 shareholders who were partners at the practice. Aside from Peter Barker who is retiring, the former partners remain an integral part of the leadership team and, alongside other senior colleagues in the business, are now titled 'principals'.

Mark Thompson, managing director at Ryder, said: "Having recently celebrated our 70th anniversary, this is an exciting and positive step in Ryder's journey.