Architects switches to employee ownership
A Scottish architectural practice with 24 staff that works with community groups, housing associations and local authorities has become an employeeowned business.
Camerons Strachan Yuill Architects (CSY Architects) has undergone the change thanks to a loan from ethical lender Triodos Bank UK, alongside support from Co-operative Developmentscotlandand employee ownership specialist Co-ownership Solutions.
The firm has established an employee ownership trust which will become the controlling shareholder of the business and allow the 24 staff, who work across offices in Edinburgh, Dalkeith, Berwick and Galashiels, to collectively take ownership of the company for their longterm benefit.
CSY Architects has a wide range of projects in its portfolio, including work with community groups, housing associations and local authorities. The business was recently formed through the unification of three existing practices – Camerons Architects, Douglas Strachan Architects and Bain Swan Architects.
Douglas Strachan, joint managing director at CSY, said: “As a practice, we are committed to a local service for the communities that we serve. We believe that it is not only what we do through our work that is important, but also how we do it. By transitioning to an employee ownership trust, we’re ensuring that our values remain at the heart of everything we do. This enables the whole team to pursue a positive ethos of shared endeavour, valuing everyone’s contribution and sharing in the success of the practice.”