HRI Munro Architecture, a respected and long-established architectural practice based in the Highlands of Scotland, has announced its transition to an employee owned trust (EOT).
This landmark move marks a significant milestone in the firm’s evolution and reflects its commitment to sustainable business growth and greater community impact.
Founded in Inverness in 1997, HRI Munro Architecture has garnered a reputation for delivering quality architectural solutions across the Highlands and Orkney.
The firm expanded its footprint in 2019 with the opening of a Thurso office, further solidifying its dedication to serving communities throughout northern Scotland.
Director Vicky Hazell explained the rationale behind the transition: “All successful businesses evolve, and the EOT model is particularly well-suited to creative organisations like ours. Our professional team is deeply invested in the success of the practice, and employee ownership strengthens that connection.”
Employee owned trusts, introduced by the UK Government in 2014, encourage staff participation in business ownership. Under the EOT model, the company is owned by a trust that represents all employees, who elect trustees from among themselves.
Notably, the employee-owned structure has already gained traction in Scotland, with a national ambition to reach 500 such enterprises by 2030. Inverness is home to two of Scotland’s largest employee-owned firms; Highland Fuels and Carlton Bingo, as well as several other notable EOTs in the Highlands.
Hazell added, “This change means our staff have a real stake in our success and will benefit directly as we continue to thrive. While our commitment to delivering a high quality service remains unchanged, the added benefits of community impact, staff satisfaction, and shared success make this a powerful investment – for us and for our clients.”
The move by HRI Munro Architecture underscores a growing trend among Scottish businesses to adopt purpose-driven ownership models. By prioritising longevity, collaboration, and collective value, the firm aims to set an example for others in the creative and professional sectors.
This transition stands as a clear signal that employee ownership is likely to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of local businesses throughout Scotland and England