Triangle Architects becomes employee-owned

Four directors have taken the helm at the Ancoats-based practice after its founders transferred their share of the business into an employee ownership trust.

The founders David Ward and Tim Wallbank, who set up the business in 1986, have now transferred their full ownership to the trust and have handed over the day-to-day running of the business to a four-person board of directors.

This is made up of Alison Duxbury, Barry Murphy, Harry Randhawa, and Mark Trayhorn. Both founders will remain involved as trustee directors to offer support through the succession process.

The model means the practice’s staff will own the company collectively, and will be able to engage with the board of directors on the running of the business and its performance.

Triangle works across the housing sector and is set to help deliver 2,000 homes in 2019, including in Warrington, Salford, and Hattersley.

Barry Murphy said: “Our objective has always been to achieve effective, successful and sustainable design solutions that enhance the lives of the people we serve.  Central to achieving this ambition has been our commitment to creating a happy and fulfilling workplace for our staff.

“Fifteen per cent of the UK’s top 100 architectural practices have adopted the employee ownership model, so it’s a proven method of ownership within the sector and one we wholeheartedly believe will work for Triangle.”

David Ward, founder and trustee director, added: “The employee buyout continues our legacy of helping people to feel valued, understood and supported and we’re tremendously excited to be a part of guiding Triangle’s future success.”