The Future for Keppie

2024 is an extremely significant year for Keppie. In 1854, John Honeyman returned to Glasgow from London to set up a small architectural studio. He was 23 years old. From this seed, his firm developed and grew into one of Scotland’s largest ever design practices; one which still bears the name of Honeyman’s first partner, John Keppie.

On Friday 1st March 2024, 170 years after the inception of the practice, Keppie is transferring its entire shareholding to an Employee Ownership Trust (“EOT”). More than 100 staff are set to become part-owners of the business.

In 2018, the current iteration of Keppie began, led by four like-minded individuals – Peter Moran, David Ross, Fraser Low and Richard MacDonald – who share the same passion, ethos, and ambitions for the business.

The Board directors have been exploring the future of Keppie for some time. Recognising the special Keppie culture, the intricate tapestry of this special community bound together by individual values, shared vision, and our rich heritage, the directors’ priority is to ensure that these values are protected beyond their stewardship.

Managing Director, Peter Moran says, “The outstanding loyalty and contribution of Keppie employees over the years, has earned our practice the reputation it has today. We believe that the best people to own the future of Keppie are the people who know it best – our present and future employees.”

Peter adds: “The EOT will provide a platform for our business to grow, with a commitment to continual professional and personal improvement and innovation to ensure Keppie maintains its position as a market leader.”

Finance Director, Pamela Ross, has been appointed the employee representative on the board of trustees. Pamela welcomes the changes: “This is an extremely exciting time for everyone at Keppie as the company celebrates its 170th year in business. The EOT provides a great opportunity for our talented staff to shape the future of the business and pass on our values to further generations of Keppie employees.”

The four shareholders will remain in the business, allowing for a period of stability and business as usual following the transfer to the EOT.