Liverpool-based environment consultancy Curtins has announced it has become employee owned to enable its staff to greater influence decision making.
The organisation's former share ownership scheme, where employees owned 25% of the business, was first introduced in 2002 after chief executive Rob Melling joined the board of directors. It allowed people from outside the board to own shares in the company based on certain eligibility criteria, or to receive them as gifts as a reward for long service.
However, the new structure of the employee ownership trust (EOT) will result in each member of staff having a share in the business’ financial performance, with a forum set up for the 350 workers comprising 28 representatives from across Curtins’ 14 UK offices.
Members of the board and other staff shareholders have transferred their shares to the EOT as they are “confident” that this is a positive step for the business. Now, everyone employed by Curtins will have a share in the company and reap the benefits.
According to Melling, the EOT is aligned with founder Bill Curtin’s philosophy and principal of making sure people are at the heart of the company. By implementing the transition at a time of “bright prospects” for Curtins, he thinks that this has helped achieve key benefits for employees.
“While our staff have always been focused on delivering what our clients need from us, we believe that being part of the EOT will give an even greater desire to achieve our company objectives, and serving clients is at the very heart of that. We genuinely believe that this EOT is the best for the business and our people, and I believe that the company and the individuals who work within it will flourish in a truly collaborative structure,” Melling said.
