Established in Liverpool in 1960 in the back bedroom of founder and lecturer at the Liverpool College of Building Bill Curtin, the firm has grown to employ over 350 staff across 14 offices in the UK and Ireland.

Its former share ownership scheme, where staff owned around 25% of the business, was first introduced in 2002, shortly after now chief executive Rob Melling joined the board.

Members of Curtins’ board and other staff shareholders have transferred their shares to the EOT, confident that this is a positive step for the business and the people employed by it.

Through the new structure, everyone employed by Curtins will now have a share in the company’s financial performance and enjoy the benefits from their efforts.

According to latest published accounts, the group saw revenue slip to £28m last year, generating a pretax profit of £1.3m.

“What we’re doing is so aligned with Bills’ philosophy and principle of making sure our people are at the heart of our company,” said Melling.

“By implementing the transition now, at a time of bright prospects for Curtins, we believe that the stars have aligned to achieve key benefits for our people.”

“We genuinely believe that this is best for the business and our people. For those that don’t get it, my response is just wait and see,” he added.

Under the new structure, staff will be able to influence business decisions through an employee forum comprising of 28 representatives from across all of Curtins’ offices.

Ultimately the Board of Directors will still have responsibility for running the business and will be accountable to a Trustee Board which will include two elected members of the employee forum.