CITY Access Scaffolding has announced the successful completion of a management buyout of the company.
Original co-founder, Mark Skinner, alongside fellow directors, Ryan Scott and Ross Archibald, have now acquired full ownership of the business.
Kirsty Allan and Jonathan Allan, who co-founded the business alongside Mark in 2014, will step away from the company – having gradually transitioned out of day-to-day management in recent years as the operational leadership team strengthened and evolved.
Founded on the principles of bringing high standards, reliability, and a people-first approach to the sector, the company said that the management buyout represents ‘continuity rather than change’.
As one of the original founders, Mark Skinner has been a constant throughout City Access Scaffolding’s journey and played a central role in shaping its direction, culture, and standards over the past 11 years.
The new ownership structure formalises leadership roles within the business, with Mark Skinner as MD, Ryan Scott as operations director, and Ross Archibald as commercial director.
Together, the three roles are tipped to bring alignment across strategy, operations, and commercial performance – creating a balanced leadership team that reflects the key pillars of the business and provides a clear direction for the future, the firm explained.
While the transaction marks a significant milestone, it is also said to reflect the way the business has always operated. Many of the company’s key decisions and defining moments have taken place outside of formal settings – built through day-to-day collaboration, conversations over coffee and time spent together as a team. In that spirit, the chapter closed in a similarly fitting way, with a final directors’ lunch held at The Sun Inn last Friday.
Kirsty Allan said, “Looking back over the past 11 years, we’re incredibly proud of what has been built – a recognised and respected brand trusted by leading clients across the construction sector. Just as importantly, we’ve invested heavily in apprentices who have come through our doors, qualified, and now deliver the City Access standard every day. The business is in a strong position, with a capable leadership team and clear direction for the future.”
Jonathan Allan added, “I’ve worked in this industry since I was 16 — it’s all I’ve ever known. When we started City Access, the aim was simple: build great jobs, do them properly, and put quality at the forefront every single time. I’m proud of the standard we’ve set and the team that will carry that forward.”
Mark Skinner, MD, commented, “City Access has always been about our people, standards, the client experience, collaboration and, above all, doing the right thing. This marks the next stage of something we’ve been building carefully for years. Our focus now is on continuing to develop and reward the people within City Access who have put in the hard work to build this business, creating real opportunity and long-term progression from within. We have a strong team, clear ambition for the future and we’re excited for the next phase.”
Ryan Scott, operations director, added, “City Access backed me early on and gave me the opportunity to grow with the business. I’m proud to now be part of leading it into its next chapter. The foundations are strong, and our ambition remains high.”
Ross Archibald, commercial director, said, “Our focus moving forward is on strengthening the trusted relationships we have with our clients while maintaining the commercial discipline that has supported the company’s growth. We’re excited to help guide the business through its next stage of development.”
The new ownership team has reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in apprentices, while supporting the development of its workforce and maintaining the highest standards of safety across all projects.
After 11 years of building and developing City Access Scaffolding, Kirsty and Jonathan leave the business in a position of strength, with established leadership continuity and a clear strategic path forward. Their contribution to shaping the culture, standards, and foundations of the company will remain embedded in its future direction, the firm concluded.
The May edition of Project Scotland will feature an exclusive interview with the new City Access Scaffolding senior team.
