Ryder Architecture, the award-winning international design practice headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, has transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) as of 1 May 2025 – a major milestone supported by strategic advice from leading North East independent chartered accountancy and advisory firm UNW.
UNW’s corporate finance team worked closely with Ryder’s leadership and shareholders to explore succession options before designing and implementing the EOT structure. The move follows Ryder’s 70th anniversary and signals the start of a new chapter in its long-standing history of innovation and people-first values.
Mark Thompson, Managing Director at Ryder, said: “Having recently celebrated our 70th anniversary, this is an exciting and positive step in Ryder’s journey.
“By becoming an EOT, we are securing the future of the company and importantly maintaining all the elements that have made us so successful to date – our strong culture and identity, our reputation for excellence, and an unwavering commitment to develop, retain and reward our people who are at the very heart of our business.”
Following the transition, Mark and the current leadership team will continue to drive strategy and business decisions. A small board of trustees, including Ryder colleagues and independent advisors, has been established to represent the EOT and provide oversight on behalf of employees. This includes representatives from Ryder360, the company’s people board, established in 2001.
Fran Harrison, current chair of Ryder360 and a trustee on the EOT Board, said: “All of us now have an even greater stake in the success of the company, which is both motivating and rewarding.
“We see excellent levels of engagement across Ryder, evidenced through the results of our annual Best Companies To Work For survey, but this change in ownership will help to foster an even stronger culture of shared success and collaboration. It’s an exciting evolution of the business.”
The business was previously owned by 13 partners. Apart from Peter Barker, who is retiring, all remain in leadership roles and are now titled ‘principals’, alongside newly promoted colleagues in London, Bristol and Newcastle.
The change in ownership comes off the back of strong trading. Ryder’s UK turnover reached £31.6m in the year to 30 April 2024, generating pre-tax profits of £2.4m. The firm employs around 350 people across the UK and internationally, with a global portfolio spanning Australia, Canada and most major UK regions. In 2024, Ryder was named Architectural Practice of the Year at both the Building magazine and Education Estates awards.
Reflecting on the support from UNW’s corporate finance and tax teams, Mark Thompson added: “We knew the next step would be crucial for our future, and we wanted the right people to challenge and support us. We spoke to several potential advisers, but UNW really stood out – not just because of their impressive track record across all types of transactions, from trade sales and private equity to EOTs, but because of how seamlessly their corporate finance and tax teams presented. They came across as genuinely integrated from the start, and that gave us real confidence.
“Over several months, we worked closely with them to shape the shareholder strategy and explore the succession options in depth. Their advice was honest, insightful, and always focused on what was best for the business, our people and the longer-term goals of the shareholders. They were incredibly hands-on – guiding us through the process, solving challenges as they came up, and supporting us every step of the way.
“The team also went above and beyond to help us communicate the thinking behind each option, including presenting to different groups across the business. That really helped bring everyone on board. In the end, choosing an EOT felt like the perfect way to protect what we’ve built and create opportunities for the people who’ve helped build it. UNW played a huge part in making that happen.”
If you would like more information about Employee Ownership Trusts, succession planning, or how UNW can support your business through strategic transitions, please contact naomitownsend@unw.co.uk.
