Builder lays foundations for future with trust move

A construction firm says it is primed to build for the future following a leadership switch.

Compass Building and Construction Services has changed to an employee ownership trust model.

Bosses say the venture – which includes sister plumbing, heating, mechanical, electrical and renewables operator Orbis Services – will “safeguard both companies’ futures”.

They add it will “protect the culture they have built and ensure long‑term stability for teams”.

Operating across the Scottish Highlands from its Inverness headquarters, Compass Building and Construction Services delivers works across the residential, commercial and public sectors. 

Thom Macleod, managing director at Compass Building and Construction Services and Orbis Services, said: “Our motivation has been to build a sustainable business, recognising the invaluable contribution of employees and management teams. 

“Having considered various options, we settled on the employee ownership trust as being the best way forward.

“There has been no break in continuity of governance, personnel or project delivery, and while the various benefits are now manifest in the business, externally the reality is ‘business as usual’.”

The business was advised on the deal by Wakefield-based corporate finance boutique FDS. 

Poonam Kaur, FDS chief executive, added: “It has been a privilege to guide the companies through this significant chapter.

“Succession planning is never just a technical process; it’s about protecting the values, culture and people that make a business what it is.

“Our experience advising on employee ownership trusts meant we could support shareholders in achieving an exit that provides continuity, rewards the team and secures long‑term resilience.”

FDS has further offices in Birmingham and London.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.