Is Employee Ownership the Right Blueprint for Your Design Studio?
- Howard Mann
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Architectural firms and design consultancies are built on more than just technical skill—they’re shaped by vision, trust, and collaboration. So when it comes to succession or thinking long-term, traditional ownership models don’t always feel like the right fit.
That’s where Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) come in. Quietly gaining momentum across the UK, EOTs offer a people-centred, values-driven alternative to selling up or passing the baton to a single partner.
If you’re new to the idea of employee ownership, this article offers a simple, grounded introduction—designed especially for architects and creatives curious about what’s possible.
What Is an EOT, in Plain Terms?
An EOT is a legal structure that allows employees to own a controlling stake in the business—indirectly through a trust. It was introduced in 2014 with tax incentives that make it especially attractive for founders thinking about succession.
Here’s the idea:
The trust holds 51% or more of the shares on behalf of all employees.
Staff receive tax-free bonuses (up to £3,600 per year).
The outgoing owner can sell without paying Capital Gains Tax, as long as conditions are met.
It’s not just about tax efficiency—it’s about preserving culture, rewarding your team, and ensuring continuity in a way that feels true to your firm’s identity.
Why It’s Resonating with Creative Businesses
Design studios and architectural firms are often:
Collaborative by nature
Protective of their brand and ethos
Wary of being absorbed by large corporate groups
That makes them well-suited to the EOT model, which offers:
A way to avoid selling to external buyers who may change the firm’s direction
An opportunity to recognise and reward the whole team, not just a few senior partners
A structure that prioritises long-term thinking, not short-term exits
Who’s Already Done It?
A growing number of UK firms—Make Architects, HLM, Stride Treglown, and Assael Architecture among them—have already transitioned to employee ownership. Their reasons range from:
Safeguarding legacy
Attracting and retaining talent
Keeping control over how the business evolves
These aren’t headline-grabbing takeovers. They’re quiet, thoughtful decisions rooted in values that resonate with the industry.
Curious to Learn More? Start Here
MannagementXP is a UK consultancy that helps small and mid-sized businesses explore strategic models like employee ownership. We’ve pulled together a set of plain-English guides to help you understand the essentials—without the jargon:
Whether you're at the stage of exploring options or simply future-proofing your practice, these resources are designed for creative businesses like yours.
Final Thought: It's Not Just a Financial Decision
Choosing an EOT isn’t only about tax savings or structural change. It’s a statement about what—and who—matters most in your business. If your studio values trust, continuity, and collective success, this might be a model worth exploring.
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