St Helens-based construction and building safety consultancy Safer Sphere secured a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK.
The funds will support further growth and an ownership succession plan.
As part of the deal, founder Mike Forsyth and Angelique Forsyth have reduced their combined ownership from 51 per cent to 26 per cent, with 25 per cent of the business transferring to the senior leadership team.
Mr Forsyth will remain chairman and will be supported by a leadership team including Lewis Duff (managing director), Graham King (operations director), Emma Gradwell (people and performance director), and Zoe Chiocci (finance director).
Mr Forsyth said: “This is an exciting new chapter for the business, but our ethos and values remain the same.
“We are excited to enter this new era of leadership, which will allow our team to build on previous success with structured employee ownership.
“The steps we are taking will strengthen our ability to continue to deliver high quality services and bring new innovations to market.”
The company, which employs more than 80 people nationwide, plans to expand its services to include building safety in-occupation support for higher-risk residential buildings, in line with the latest regulations.
It is also developing a fire engineering consultancy to complement its core offerings in construction design and management.
Safer Sphere’s consultancy services align with the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Regulations etc. Amendment England Regulations 2023.
The consultancy provides support across the building lifecycle, from design and construction to occupation.
Andrew Holgate, relationship manager at HSBC UK, said: “It’s fantastic to support Safer Sphere transition through this MBO.
“It is clear that although there are changes to ownership, the structures and people that the business has in place look set to deliver continued growth into the future.”
The firm includes principal designer and advisor roles, client advisor support, and a broader range of building safety services.
Safer Sphere’s client base spans small refurbishment schemes to multi-billion-pound developments.
The Employee Benefit Trust, holding a 49 per cent stake since 2020, will retain its shareholding following the transaction.