The chairman of Watson Batty Architects, Paul Ryan, has announced he is reducing his role in the business.

Mr Ryan, who has been a director of the 41-year-old firm for 23 years, is relinquishing his 50% shareholding in the firm as he approaches retirement. He will remain involved with the practice via a consultancy role.

The four equity directors; Peter White, Andrew Grindrod, Richard Merrills and Mark Sidding, will take over proceedings, while equity shareholding will be allocated to seven other members of the team as a part of the practice's succession strategy and commitment to broaden ownership with its future generation.

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Peter White, Managing Director at Watson Batty Architects said: "Paul has been a fantastic leader for the business and a great inspiration to our team for many years. He has been instrumental in taking Watson Batty from a £850k turnover Yorkshire business to become a UK leading practice that employs 50 people nationwide working for many leading brands.

"Last year we celebrated our 40th anniversary with a re brand and plans to increase turnover to over £4.0m with a five year plan. We are currently on target to achieve that with year on year growth. 

"We would like to thank Paul for his tireless commitment and wish him the very best transition into retirement. We are pleased that he is able to maintain a consultant role and assist in concluding the graduation of our talented team into management roles."

(LM/MH)