NORTHWEST Roofing & Building Maintenance has marked another award-winning year by completing a full revamp of its Drumchapel base and upgrading its vehicle fleet.
The firm was recently crowned Best Specialist Roofing and Roof Maintenance Company – Scotland at the Build Facilities Management Awards 2026, with particular credit given to its high-quality work on The Centre Cumbernauld.
Northwest applied the Sika Liquid Plastics Sikalastic-625 system across multiple roof areas, allowing for a watertight area over high-risk sections. Forming a barrier across the roof area, it eliminates any weak points and is designed to be capable of handling pools of water without breaking down. Crucially, it still allows for moisture trapped within the building’s structure to evaporate outwards.
The Centre Cumbernauld – a major retail destination in the heart of the North Lanarkshire town – is one of a number of large-scale projects carried out by Northwest in recent years. Other notable work includes a 1,200 sqm re-roofing scheme in Newton Mearns and a balcony renewal project at properties in Edinburgh’s Quartermile.
Founded in 2014 by experienced roofer Billy Grant, Northwest began with a single van and just one labourer. Today, it employs over 30 people, has just renewed its fleet of 10 vehicles for the third time, and has completely revamped its sprawling base in north west Glasgow.
Early growth was driven by the winning of factoring contracts. The company now offers a range of services including slating, tiling, flat-roofing, stone rendering, plastering, roof replacements, roof condition surveys, and a maintenance service.
Billy previously told Project Scotland of the importance of not standing still and continuously investing, with much of his approach to business driven by what he learnt from older heads whilst coming up as a young roofer.
The firm’s Drumchapel HQ used to be split into three separate offices. Now, the office area is completely open plan, with a separate kitchen and dining area, boardroom, and new toilets. The walls feature company branding and mentions of the various award wins through the years as a reminder of the standards expected. Framed football tops are seen throughout, including those of local community clubs backed by the firm – with the company a keen believer that the sport is a positive outlet and should be readily accessible to all youngsters.
“We’re trying to build an environment for our staff (to ensure) that they enjoy coming to work,” Billy said. Staff wellbeing is a priority, with a dedicated mental health programme as well as a bespoke training academy to provide progression routes. Operatives can be upskilled in maintenance and undertake courses including through Sika Liquid Plastics, PASMA, CSCS, and IPAF.
“There’s no glass ceiling here,” Billy continued. “We’re constantly upskilling our team – whether it be hands-on skills, such as a plastering course, or in management. We’ve got guys doing the CITB Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme at the end of July.”
Training periods primarily take place during spring when the dry weather typically brings fewer emergency callouts. This allows Northwest to enter the winter months with a freshly upskilled team. That said, the recent unseasonal wet weather in Glasgow resulted in the Northwest phones ringing ‘off the hook’, with roofs across the city suffering during the June downpours.
Scotland’s increasingly extreme weather has underlined the importance of the investment in 10 new branded Peugeot Expert vans. With the firm’s 24/7 emergency line in high demand, Northwest was keen to avoid delays caused by vehicle issues.
“Previously, we operated a mixture of smaller and larger vehicles, but after reviewing our operations, we found that the smaller vans often created logistical challenges, particularly when responding to emergency situations, transporting access equipment, or carrying materials required for larger repairs,” Billy explained. “By standardising our fleet, we have improved efficiency across the business, allowing our teams to respond quicker, carry more equipment, and complete jobs with fewer delays.
“This investment is another step in our commitment to providing a reliable, responsive, and professional service to our clients while ensuring our operatives have the tools and resources they need to work safely and effectively.”
All of the vans feature the firm’s livery, alongside mention of the recent award win. Branding is something that has been of the upmost importance for Northwest from day one, with operatives given branded uniforms and ID cards. This was inspired by Billy’s early days in the sector. Serving his time at a small roofing company, the business closed for two weeks during the Glasgow Fair. He was taken on by a larger firm with a more established set up and it was there he learnt the importance of branding. “I think it can give clients comfort and peace of mind that it’s a proper company turning up,” he continued – adding that there is nothing wrong with unmarked vans. “But branding is huge nowadays, in any business.”
Focus will now turn to continuing to upskill the team ahead of what is expected to be a non-stop winter period, with a recent cohort undertaking multiple H&S courses, including contacts manager Robert, who has completed his NEBOSH GC.
“At Northwest Roofing & Building Maintenance Ltd, we are passionate about apprenticeships and developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” Billy said. “We firmly believe that the youth of today are the lifeblood of our industry and, when given the right training, support, and opportunities, can become the future leaders of roofing sector.
“Investing in young people isn’t just about filling vacancies – it’s about passing on knowledge, maintaining high standards of workmanship, and ensuring our industry continues to thrive for years to come.
“By providing apprentices with hands-on experience alongside experienced tradespeople, we are helping to build careers, strengthen our workforce, and secure the future of roofing.”
