The civils firm has established an Employee Ownership Trust so 100% of shares will be held for the benefit of satff.

Long-serving Managing Director Howard Chamberlain – who has led the company for nearly six decades – will continue as a Director, while Contracts Director Mike Goodier will step into the role of Managing Director.

 Chamberlain said: “There has always been talk about what the future of CHC would look like when the time came for me to take a step back.

“The reality is this, the business has never been about one person. Our success has always been a team effort, and this move is about recognising that. I’m proud that this structure gives everyone a stake in our future and helps ensure CHC remains an independent, thriving business for years to come.”

 Established almost 60 years ago and based in Bury, CHC is a leading civil engineering and construction business operating across the North West and Yorkshire.

The company also operates a substantial nationwide plant hire business, with a modern fleet of over 100 Volvo and Caterpillar machines.

Latest results for CHC show a turnover of £18.8m for the year to July 31 2024 generating a pre-tax profit of £935,000 while employing 90 staff.

The company was advised by accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers.  The team was led by corporate finance partner Dean Curtis with support from corporate finance manager Fatema Daud and tax partner Ann Bibby.