Our people have always been at the heart of Booth Welsh. Now, through our Employee Ownership Trust, they’re also at the heart of our ownership. Winner of EO Transition of the Year at the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2026

A New Chapter for Booth Welsh

Becoming employee-owned was a big step forward for our people, our business and our community, and one that truly reflects who we are and what we stand for.

The Booth Welsh Employee Ownership Trust now holds 77% of the business on behalf of our current and future employees. This helps protect our independence, keeps us firmly rooted in Ayrshire and gives our people a greater voice in shaping what comes next.

It also gives us the freedom to keep doing what we do best: working together, embracing new ideas and engineering a better future for our clients and communities.

Choose Us

The Trust Board

Founder Trustee

Martin Welsh

Employee Trustee

Mark Lee

Independent Trustee

Carole Leslie

Key Facts

Employee ownership at a glance

77% employee-owned

The Booth Welsh Trust holds a majority stake on behalf of our people.

300+ people

Working together across Booth Welsh.

Proudly rooted in Ayrshire

Protecting our independence and long-term commitment to the region.

Award-winning transition

Named EO Transition of the Year at the 2026 UK Employee Ownership Awards.

Choose Us

Why Employee Ownership?

Building on what makes us Booth Welsh

Our transition was about more than changing our ownership structure. It was about protecting the culture, relationships and shared sense of purpose that have shaped Booth Welsh over more than three decades.

Employee ownership helps us:

Keep our people at the heart of the business.
Protect our independence and Ayrshire roots.
Think and invest for the long term.
Encourage fresh perspectives and new ideas.
Give employees a greater voice in our future.
Share in the journey and rewards as we grow.

Our foundations haven’t changed. We have the same leadership team, the same values and the same commitment to delivering high-quality work for our clients. What employee ownership has created is even more space for collaboration, involvement and shared ambition.

What it Means for our Clients

For our clients, suppliers and partners, it’s very much business as usual: the same people, direction, delivery and dedication. Employee ownership adds an even stronger foundation for the future. It supports continuity, long-term decision-making and a highly engaged team that has a genuine stake in the success of Booth Welsh and the work we deliver.

You can continue to expect:

The same trusted teams and points of contact.
No change to existing contracts or commercial arrangements.
Continued investment in our people and capabilities.
Responsive, independent decision-making.
A long-term partner committed to your success.

Employee Voice

Shaping our Future Together

Employee ownership gives our people a greater opportunity to contribute to the direction of Booth Welsh. The business continues to be led by our executive Board and management team, while the Trust Board represents the interests of current and future employees.

Employee listening groups, Ask the Board sessions, business breakfasts and strategic conversations create further opportunities for people to share ideas and influence what comes next.

It’s still early in our journey, but the engagement, constructive conversations and fresh perspectives we’ve already seen give us real confidence in the future we’re building together.

A Proud Moment in our Journey

In June 2026, Booth Welsh was named EO Transition of the Year at the UK Employee Ownership Awards.Receiving this recognition less than a year into our employee ownership journey was an incredibly proud moment. More importantly, it reflects the trust, enthusiasm and professionalism shown by people throughout Booth Welsh.

“From the outset, our ambition was to protect what makes Booth Welsh special, while giving our employees a greater stake in shaping where we go next. This recognition is a reflection of the commitment, enthusiasm and belief shown by our people every step of the way.”

Martin Welsh, CEO

The official award title is confirmed by the Employee Ownership Association.