Camerons Strachan Yuill Architects (CSY Architects) has become an employee-owned company following a loan from Triodos Bank UK.
CSY Architects has established an Employee Ownership Trust, which will become the controlling shareholder of the company and allow the firm’s 24 staff - who work across offices in Edinburgh, Dalkeith, Berwick and Galashiels - to collectively take ownership of the firm for their long-term benefit.
The company was recently formed through the unification of three existing practices: Camerons Architects, Douglas Strachan Architects and Bain Swan Architects.
Joint managing director Douglas Strachan commented: “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.”
Gavin Yuill, joint managing director at CSY Architects, added: “It is brilliant to be working with Triodos Bank, which shares our commitment to working for a better world and is supportive of employee ownership models.”
Rob Keegan, regional manager for Scotland at Triodos Bank, said: “Because employee-owned organisations are inherently transparent, they have a strong commitment to positive impact and an active involvement in the communities in which they operate.
“It is great to be involved in this transition for CSY Architects and we look forward to following the next phase of the organisation’s journey.”
CSY Architects was also supported in its transition to employee ownership by Co-operative Development Scotland, with the process managed by Co-ownership Solutions.
Andrew Harrison, partner at Co-ownership Solutions, said: “By taking this step, CSY Architects is securing the future of the business, including its ethos, values and employees, while rooting itself locally for the longer term to the benefit of the communities which it serves.”
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