Lindsays is delighted to have supported Butler Consulting in its transition to employee ownership. Our Corporate team, led by Partner Nick Howie, provided legal guidance throughout this transaction, helping the Glasgow-based engineering consultancy secure its future through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Employee ownership is gaining momentum in Scotland, with the Scottish Government actively encouraging more businesses to adopt this model. Butler Consulting, renowned for its high-profile projects in the UK and Caribbean, is the latest firm to transition to employee ownership, empowering its talented team through the EOT structure.
This move marks a significant milestone for Butler Consulting, enhancing its reputation as an innovative employer and creating new opportunities for its staff. With a strong track record of successful projects both locally and internationally, the firm is looking ahead with renewed ambition and stability.
Founder Robert Butler, who will continue to lead the business, believes the EOT model is a natural fit for the company’s culture. “Becoming an EOT is the ideal fit for our business,” he says. “We have a fantastic team, who are all very positive about this transition and have embraced the process. This change allows them to share further in our success and offers opportunities for them to advance their careers.”
Butler Consulting’s track record includes delivering landmark projects such as the ‘Frigate Factory’ at BAE Govan, the ambitious net-zero refurbishment of The Ink Building in Glasgow, and the new £6m spa at the city’s Radisson Blu hotel. The consultancy’s expertise extends far beyond Scottish shores, with a strong foothold in the luxury hospitality sector - around 30% of its current work involves major hotel projects, including several IHG Hotels in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The new ownership model not only offers financial incentives for staff but also reinforces the firm’s stability and growth prospects.
“This has allowed us to strengthen the management team whilst making the business more resilient,” says Butler. “Transforming to an EOT allows me to remain involved while enabling others to thrive and develop their careers.”
Under the new structure, trustees from within the workforce will play a crucial role in the company’s governance. Neil Pearson, a director at Butler Consulting, describes the transition as a “hugely positive step.” He emphasizes that while clients can expect business as usual, the move enhances management’s involvement in business operations. “There are great success stories with other EOTs, many in our industry, and we want to become another example of why it works,” Pearson adds.
The EOT structure offers tangible benefits, including capital gains tax relief for selling shareholders and the potential for tax-free bonuses of up to £3,600 per year per employee. The Scottish Government’s focus on boosting employee ownership aligns perfectly with Butler Consulting’s vision of shared success and business resilience.
With its established reputation and fresh approach to ownership, Butler Consulting is setting the stage for a new era of shared success and innovation. Whether delivering high-end hotel projects or pioneering sustainability in engineering, the firm is now better positioned than ever to build on its legacy of excellence.
Published 4 March 2025
