Boom in employee ownership continues with latest construction firm transition

The £18.8 million-turnover civils firm, based in Bury, has made the EOT shift, with 100 per cent of its shares now owned by its 90 employees.

Established nearly 60 years ago, CHC’s transition secures its future as an independent, employee-owned business.

The move fulfills a long-term vision of managing director Howard Chamberlain, who has led the firm for 59 years.

“The business is expecting to hit a threshold of £25 million turnover for this year, which is an increase of over 30 per cent on the previous filed accounts, as delayed projects and frameworks are now in full flow,” the company said.

“We’re proud to embark on this new journey together, built on shared ownership and a firm belief in the strength of our people.”

Mike Goodier, former contracts director, steps into the role of managing director, while Chamberlain remains involved as a director.

CHC’s shift follows others, like that of 27-year-old fellow civils firm, Galldris, which completed its own EOT transition last month.

The £125.4 million turnover London-headquartered firm’s move was said to ensure “sustainable growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry”.

These transitions follow a wider trend within the UK construction industry, which has seen a dramatic rise in employee ownership, with businesses in the sector increasing by 6,580 per cent from 2014 to 2025.

As of June 2025, 2,470 employee-owned companies, employing over 358,000 staff, are now part of this movement.

Construction accounts for 14 per cent of these businesses, marking the sector’s growing embrace of employee ownership.

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