WHEN MJ O’Shaughnessy reflects on the past few years at Will Rudd, one theme comes up repeatedly: growth that is deliberate, people-driven, and rooted in long-standing client relationships.
Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its influence across Glasgow and the central belt, strengthened its position in Ireland, built a significant portfolio in London and, crucially, established a strategic base in Inverness at a time when the Highlands is undergoing one of the most transformative periods in recent history.
For O’Shaughnessy, this isn’t expansion for expansion’s sake. “We’ve never opened an office just to put a pin on a map,” he says. “Every move has been driven by trusted clients and the right people being in the right place at the right time.”
That philosophy has shaped a multi-region strategy described as being both ambitious and unusually stable. The Highlands – powered by the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport – stands out as one of the most significant growth areas for the business.
The decision to open an Inverness office, managed by Alasdair MacPhee under MJ’s leadership, marked a major milestone for Will Rudd and it’s no coincidence that it comes at a time when the Highlands is experiencing unprecedented and sustained investment.
The Green Freeport designation has triggered a wave of activity across energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and housing. For engineering consultancies, it represents one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich markets anywhere in the UK.
“You can’t fully break into the Highlands without being there,” O’Shaughnessy explains. “The Freeport status, the public-sector pipeline, the energy transition, it’s all converging. Having a base in Inverness allows us to be part of that momentum from the ground up.”
The move was also catalysed by people. When associate Alasdair relocated back to the Highlands, bringing deep regional relationships with him, the timing aligned perfectly. The new office has opened doors across both public and private sectors, and the scale of opportunity is striking.
Major projects shaping the north
The Highlands is no longer a peripheral market, it’s a national focal point for the UK’s energy transition and industrial strategy. Will Rudd is now involved in several of the region’s most significant schemes, including digital infrastructure, major offshore wind manufacturing and hotel and commercial developments in Inverness. The business is also working in partnership with Balfour Beatty, Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Water, reinforcing the firm’s role in critical infrastructure delivery. In addition, the company continues to deliver against extensive housing masterplanning, driven by population growth and the need for new communities across the Highlands.
“Every area around the north of Scotland is on a thriving trajectory,” O’Shaughnessy says. “The Freeport has accelerated investment, and our civils masterplanning experience means we’re involved right from the enabling works, i.e. roads, drainage, infrastructure, through to the building structures themselves.”
A multi-region strategy built on people and relationships
While the Highlands take centre stage, the firm’s growth across Glasgow, London and Ireland continues to build momentum. London has grown from a handful of projects serviced from Glasgow to a portfolio of 16–17 live schemes, including tall buildings up to 36 storeys and complex façade engineering work. A London hub is now in development, but the hybrid model remains central.
“Clients choose us because of the quality of the product, not because of where we sit,” O’Shaughnessy says. “We still prioritise face-to-face contact, but we can service major projects from Glasgow without compromising anything.”
Ireland, meanwhile, continues to strengthen through affordable housing, schools, healthcare frameworks and public-sector work.
Sector strength: Energy, infrastructure and defence lead the way
Looking ahead, O’Shaughnessy sees clear national trends shaping the firm’s trajectory. Energy and infrastructure, particularly in the Highlands, are at the top of the list. Driven by net zero commitments, freeport investment and the UK’s broader decarbonisation agenda, these sectors offer long-term stability and scale.
Defence is another area of sustained growth, with the firm delivering work across multiple UK regions. While build-to-rent remains a vibrant market in London, there are early indications that, as a result of the Housing Bill, it might make a bit of a come back north of the border. Meanwhile, student accommodation and hotels continue to dominate in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with the latter poised for a potential resurgence following recent housing announcements.
Innovation and technical excellence
One of the firm’s most significant recent developments is its partnership with Innovate UK and the University of Strathclyde which focuses on advancing conservation engineering through new modelling capabilities. The partnership reinforces Will Rudd’s technical depth and its ability to lead in specialist sectors. The company also continues to push forward in sustainable drainage, blue-green infrastructure and digital engineering, areas increasingly prioritised by clients across all regions.
People first: The foundation of every region
If there is one theme that underpins every part of Will Rudd’s growth, it is people and O’Shaughnessy is unequivocal: “The staff are my business. If I don’t have good people, I don’t have a business.” The firm’s commitment to promoting from within has created a leadership pipeline that supports sustainable growth across all regions. Monthly team check-ins, a strong culture of mentorship and a ‘family dynamic’ help maintain cohesion across offices. Drive, enthusiasm and a personable approach are the qualities O’Shaughnessy values most. Technical skills can be taught; attitude cannot.
Looking ahead
Asked to summarise Will Rudd’s ambition for 2026 in a single sentence, O’Shaughnessy offers a clear vision:
“Enhance our staff development, promote from within, maintain our diversity in every sector, and keep the quality of what we’re doing to the highest level.”
With the Highlands now a central pillar of the firm’s strategy, and one of the UK’s most exciting regions for engineering and infrastructure, that ambition feels well within reach.
