An engineering consultancy has become Northern Ireland’s 20th employee-owned business, marking a milestone moment for both the company and the wider growth of employee ownership locally.
Design ID Consulting Limited, with offices in Royal Hillsborough, London and Dublin, has confirmed its transition to employee ownership as it celebrates 20 years in business.
The move will see the company transfer a controlling shareholding into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This means the business will be owned on behalf of its employees while continuing to operate under its existing leadership team.
Employee ownership is a structured succession model. Instead of selling to a third party, owners can transfer shares to a trust that holds them for the benefit of employees. The business continues to operate as normal, with leadership in place, while ownership transitions over time.
Founded in 2005 by Ian Douglas, with Jonathan Macauley joining in 2007, Design ID has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s leading independent structural, civil and infrastructure engineering consultancies, delivering projects across a range of sectors.
The decision to move to employee ownership was driven by a clear focus on long-term stability and protecting the culture of the business.
“Design ID has always been about people and how we work together. Employee ownership allows us to protect that as we plan for the future. It provides continuity for our clients and creates a structure where our team has a genuine stake in what comes next.”
Ian Douglas, Founder and Managing Director, Design ID Consulting Limited
“This is about recognising the contribution of our team and putting in place a structure that supports the next phase of the business. It strengthens accountability and gives our people a clear sense of ownership in the long-term success of Design ID.”
Jonathan Macauley, Managing Director, Design ID Consulting Limited
The transition reflects a growing trend among business owners considering succession options, particularly those seeking to retain independence while securing the future of their company.
“Reaching 20 employee-owned businesses in Northern Ireland is a significant milestone. It shows that more owners are actively considering structured succession options that protect their business, their people and their legacy.
“What Design ID has done is a great example of a planned transition. The business continues to operate as normal, but ownership is aligned with the people who contribute to its success every day. That is increasingly relevant for many privately owned companies.”
Karen Maguire, Chair, Employee Ownership Ireland
As Design ID enters its third decade, the move to employee ownership provides a defined succession pathway while maintaining the values and ethos that have underpinned its growth to date.