Scottish design consultancy Space Solutions becomes 100% employee-owned
Pictured (L-R): Phil Muir, droup consultancy & design director; Mark Wilson, director; Kenny Cope, director; Steve Judge, founder & managing director; and, Victoria Walker, regional director, Central Scotland
Space Solutions, a workplace design consultancy with specialist capabilities in design and fit out, has moved to employee ownership, with 100% of the business now held in trust.
In line with its values of teamwork, accountability and creativity, the company’s leadership team has taken the next step in its journey by transitioning ownership of the company to a newly established employee ownership trust (EOT), which will hold the business on behalf of employees.
Founded in Aberdeen in 1997 and having grown to have a presence across Scotland, the firm says that the transition marks a major step in its long-term vision to build a legacy that delivers a stable foundation for the future for its people, clients and communities.
The company has built a strong reputation in all aspects of the workplace design process, from architecture and interior design, to fit out and facilities management.
The move is a natural evolution of the Space Solutions journey, with the leadership team having led a successful management buy out of the company in 2007 and sees Steve Judge remain in position as founder and managing director, alongside owner and directors Kenny Cope and Mark Willson.
Employees will now share in the financial success of Space Solutions and will have a greater voice in shaping its future direction through a governance board.
Steve Judge, founder and managing director, said: “Transitioning to employee ownership is an exciting new chapter in the Space Solutions story. We considered several options to futureproof the company and protect its success for our employees and customers.
“Employee ownership was the clear choice and marks a major step in our commitment to the future of the business and to the fantastic team that make it the success story it is today. Space Solutions is now wholly owned by the Employee Trust on behalf of the employees which means our team has a direct stake in the business and a shared motivation to deliver results.”
Victoria Walker, director, Central Scotland, added: “As an employee and member of the leadership team, I am looking forward to being part of the next phase of Space Solutions’ growth, alongside my many wonderful colleagues across the business.
“Not only will the move to employee ownership create a legacy, it will also bring new meaning and purpose for each member of the team, whether they’ve been here from the beginning or have been nurtured through our young talent pipeline. Becoming employee owned is testament to their skills, knowledge and commitment.”