ENGINEERING consultancy Dougall Baillie Associates (DBA) has announced a management buyout by three of its directors.
Civil engineering director Scott MacPhail, structural engineering director Alan Ferns and transportation director Stuart Harrow will take the helm at the East Kilbride-based firm.
The trio, who have amassed, collectively, over 70 years with the firm, will assume control from current MD Fergus Adams, who has been the business owner for 16 years, the first 10 years with two others, then latterly in his own right. He will continue to contribute as a non-equity holding director.
Glasgow legal firm Bellwether Green handled the deal with accountancy support from Johnston Carmichael.
Scott MacPhail said, “While this is a momentous moment for the three of us and for the firm, it will be very much business as usual as we maintain continuity for our client base and seek to continue the firm’s steady growth trajectory. Since its establishment in 1985 by Willard Dougall and George Baillie, Dougall Baillie Associates has maintained a policy of developing talent from within its own ranks and, in making this decision, we see ourselves as the fourth cohort of the firm’s caretakers and custodians, tasked with looking after it for the next generation.
“We have just celebrated our 40th anniversary of positive engagement with Scotland’s construction and housebuilding industry and we have the greatest number of staff and the highest turnover in our history. The pipeline of work is as strong as ever and we will continue to serve existing clients as we develop new relationships.”
In recent years, the business has increased the scale of the projects, including securing major developments like Durieshill on the outskirts of Stirling, the largest single planning application in Scotland.
DBA added that is committed to the professional development of its 41-strong staff. The firm is a registered training provider participating in both technician and graduate apprentice schemes and four promotions to associate will take place as part of the MBO.
Alan Ferns commented, “As well as our strong presence in housing and infrastructure, with many valued clients such as Cala, Barratt, Allanwater and Miller Homes, we see a healthy future in sustainable energy activities such as wind farms and battery storage. We are receiving more and more enquiries about our expertise in these areas and we believe that demand for our services will only increase.”
Stuart Harrow said, “It has always been a primary aim of the firm to foster a team spirit and create a professionally satisfied workforce. Our people are the cornerstone of our success and we will continue to help them build the best possible careers.”
Fergus Adams added, “I have been immensely proud to lead DBA over the past 16 years. It has been a privilege to guide the firm to its current respected position within the sector, but it is now time for me to hand the reins over to the next generation of talent coming through. I could not pass the firm’s direction into better hands and I am sure the incoming management team will take Dougall Baillie Associates to new peaks of achievement.”
