Scottish workplace design consultancy adopts employee ownership model

Space Solutions team
L-R: Phil Muir, Mark Wilson, Kenny Cope, Steve Judge, Victoria Walker. Image credit: Roddy Scott Photography

WORKPLACE design consultancy Space Solutions has completed a move to an employee ownership model, with 100% of the business now held in trust.

The company’s leadership team has transitioned ownership 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 said the move marks a major step in its vision to build a legacy that delivers a ‘stable foundation’ for the future for its people, clients, and communities.

Space Solutions specialises in all aspects of the workplace design process, from architecture and interior design, to fit out and facilities management.

The transitioned has been described as a ‘natural evolution’, with the leadership team having led a management buy out of the company in 2007. Steve Judge remains in position as founder and MD, alongside owner and directors Kenny Cope and Mark Willson.

Employees will now share in the financial success of the business and will have a greater voice in shaping its future direction through a governance board.

Steve Judge said, “Transitioning to employee ownership is an exciting new chapter in the Space Solutions story. We considered several options to future-proof 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.”