About Us
Founder of Design911 Hands Ownership to Employees
In a bold and employee-focused decision, Karl Chopra, founder of Porsche parts specialist Design911, has transferred the majority of the company’s ownership to its staff. Announced in October 2024, Chopra has placed 75% of his shares into a trust modeled after the John Lewis Partnership, ensuring employees not only maintain control of the business but also receive substantial cash bonuses.
Chopra, who recently celebrated his 56th birthday, explained his decision: “I felt the time was right, rather than leaving it until I’m not around, to ensure the transition goes smoothly and I can be part of it. I still really, really care about the business, but it is time for the next generation.”
Protecting Employees and Preserving Legacy
Chopra’s decision follows years of interest from external
investors, many of whom proposed drastic changes that would have disrupted
Design911’s operations. These included moving warehousing and administrative
functions to centralized locations, potentially leading to job losses for loyal
employees.
By transferring ownership to a newly established trust, Chopra has ensured the company avoids what he described as “aggressive” external investment that might “change the strategy.”
Leadership Transition
While Chopra will remain as managing director for the
foreseeable future, day-to-day operations are already managed by chief
executives Martin Maziarz, Anthony Malone, and Nikhil Chopra, who are set to
eventually succeed him.
The trust will be overseen by three trustees, including
Chopra’s wife, Henriette Chopra, and accounts manager Chris Starling with independent
advisor Kingsley Tedder. Under the trust’s principles, employees will have a
greater say in the company’s future through a colleague advisory council
designed to represent their interests.
Martin Maziarz, an 18-year veteran of Design911, hailed the ownership change as a transformative moment for the company. “This will make colleagues feel even more connected to the business,” he said. “They have a real stake in the success of the company and can take pride in knowing they are shareholders, building for the future.”
A Commitment to Employee Ownership
Design911 joins a growing list of UK companies adopting the
employee ownership model. According to the European Federation of Employee
Shareholders, 1,756 businesses across the UK have transferred ownership to
124,000 employees via employee ownership trusts (EOTs) as of July 2024.
The employee ownership model allows businesses to operate
with a long-term vision, focusing on sustainable growth and employee welfare
rather than meeting the short-term demands of external shareholders.
A Legacy of Loyalty
Chopra emphasized the importance of rewarding the workforce that has contributed to Design911’s success over the past 25 years. “I feel an incredible loyalty to my hard-working colleagues,” he said. “They should receive the benefits of running the business once my time is up, rather than selling to the highest bidder. They know the business and its unique culture better than anyone, and the company is far more likely to flourish under their guidance.”
Other Notable Employee-Owned Businesses
The John Lewis Partnership remains the UK’s largest
employee-owned business, with 83,900 employees, or “partners,” owning the
iconic department stores and Waitrose supermarkets. The model, introduced by
John Spedan Lewis in 1929, continues to inspire a new generation of business
owners seeking to preserve their legacies while empowering their employees.
Design911’s transition to employee ownership marks a
significant milestone for the company and its workforce, setting an example of
how businesses can prioritize sustainability, loyalty, and shared success.
A SHORT HISTORY OF DESIGN 911
KARL CHOPRA is a true Porsche enthusiast, who turned his hobby into his business. Rebuilding, restoring and customising Porsches over two decades ago he developed a particular sense for sourcing hard-to-get parts, from simple brackets to body panels. His reputation grew and a loyal circle of customers told their friends, who told their friends ... etc. Design 911 was established in 1995 and the rest, as they say, is history!
The company has established itself as the market leader, offering trade and retail customers a full range of OEM and aftermarket Porsche parts for general servicing and re-build as well as restoration and tuning for the UK, European and world-wide markets. The company’s impressive 34,000 sq. ft Essex headquarters comprise sales department, warehouse, workshop and body shop, as well as a showroom of classic Porsches for sale.
WELCOME to Design 911. We pride ourselves that we will be the company that can supply ‘every part for every Porsche’ and we work hard to achieve our objective. Indeed, if an item is not available from any supplier or no longer in manufacture we’ll look at ways to make it ourselves. In simple terms we are the most complete Porsche parts organisation.
Design 911 has over two decades of experience of the world’s most popular sports car. We’ve examined each model close-up, nut and bolt, to ensure every product we sell fits properly and works as it should. This hands-on approach, combined with efficient business systems, has allowed us to forge partnerships with leading parts and component manufacturers and suppliers.
The majority of the most respected names in everything that is Porsche are represented on the shelves of our warehouse. Our task is to identify a customer’s needs, offer alternatives where available, and supply them in the shortest possible time. We are aware that down-time on a project can be both annoying and costly.
Our experienced sales team ‘speak Porsche’ and our parts specialists locate and source even the most hard-to-find items. The dispatch team is skilled at ensuring every part gets to every customer securely and effectively, wherever they are. The Design 911 web site is fully interactive, allowing customers to quickly find what they want with the help of workshop drawings, view the alternatives and - in many instances - get expert advice on fitting.
Design 911 works with the trade, service garages, body shops, specialist tuning shops, restorers and individual owners to reach their goal - to provide the ultimate Porsche experience.
OUR PARTNERS
RECOGNITION does not come easy. We are proud to have earned our place amongst the top names in the exciting world of Porsche cars.
Working to be the best in the highly competitive and critical world of sourcing and supplying replacement and specialist parts to trade customers and end-line owners, Design 911 has developed close working relationships with the biggest and most significant names in the business.
Our performance and reputation has gained us sole representation rights to market and distribute the products of many of these companies. A position we hold with respect.
OVER HALF A MILLION PARTS - from 356 to Panamera, classic to modern
SERVICE, or replacement, original equipment (OEM) or aftermarket, we can supply for any Porsche. Design 911 identifies the original part from the original manufacturer, and adds it to its stock. We do, however, recognise that some customers may want an item that is equal in quality but more cost-effective.
The most famous and respected brand names in the Porsche world are on our shelves. The customer makes the choice. We select, pack, and dispatch anywhere in the world.
CAN WE HELP? - our sales force is with you
Place an order with Design 911 - we make life easy!
THE COMPANY website has been fine-tuned (like a good Porsche!) to make life easy for the customer and provide all the essential information to ensure the right part - OEM or replica, accessory or upgrade - is on your list.
Detail drawings and original Porsche numbers provide valuable assistance whilst our ‘easy recognition’ system takes you straight to your particular vehicle the next time you visit.
For more personal contact the telephone sales team is there to give advice, and can communicate with warehouse, dispatch and shipping departments to provide the answer to any query.
Mail order & worldwide delivery
A fully stocked warehouse means we can be ready to dispatch your order within 24 hours. As well as national deliveries we also deliver to 140 countries worldwide.
Online
Our website will allow you to view and purchase our product range while giving clear details of our products.
Every part for every Porsche.....
At Design 911 we offer every spare part for every Porsche. Our sales team and technicians are available to help you determine the correct spare parts for your Porsche depending on your vehicle model, year and equipment. We have the technical data and diagrams to pin point and supply every genuine or replacement part for your Porsche.
CONTACT
Design911 UK
51 Tallon Road
Brentwood
Essex
CM13 1TG
T: +44 (0)208 5008811
F: +44 (0)127 7216634
E: [email protected]
W: www.design911.com
1-Februariweg 8
Heijningen
Nederland
4794 SM
T: +31 (0) 165 788 911
E: [email protected]
W: www.design911.nl
OPENING TIMES
Monday-Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm GMTSaturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Click on the image below to view more detailed information about our company
