Investment Helps Firm Cement Foundations in Fife

A Fife civil engineering business is investing £440k to build a new head office and four additional industrial units in Kirkcaldy.

Work on the new site at Dunnikier Business Park began towards the end of 2017, with Raeburn Construction projecting it will move its 11 office staff into its two storey unit by Easter 2018.

Currently located in Mitchelson Industrial Estate, Kirkcaldy, the company, which has been helped by Business Gateway Fife, will look to rent the remaining units.

Set up in 2006 by Scott and Sarah Raeburn, the firm has become a major subcontractor to leading names in the construction industry including ISG, Bowmer & Kirkland, McLaughlin Harvey, and Hardies.

In the past 12 months, the company’s 50-strong site operatives have worked on around 40 projects including running four major groundworks contracts in Edinburgh at the same time: the Heart of Midlothian’s new stand, Hampton by Hilton’s first hotel in the city centre, a new £20m hotel on Market Street, and retail/office space in St Andrews Square.

The company is now looking to take on four apprentices in early 2018 and is projecting turnover will hit a minimum £6m by May 2018.

Sarah Raeburn, Director, Raeburn Construction, said: “It’s always been our goal to build our own office space – we actually began to look for the right location four years ago - but it became a priority last year when we realised we’d outgrown our current location. By buying the land it lets us build to our own specification and meet future needs.

“With the build now underway, we’re looking to invest in a new IT systems and Business Gateway Fife has helped us secure funding to work with an IT specialist so we can find the best platform for our needs. We are also investing in a new website to showcase what we do and our adviser has organised for us to work with a content marketing specialist who will give us guidance on how to properly tell our story. This could potentially lead to the creation of a new position within our office team.”

Stephen Mitchell, Adviser, Business Gateway Fife, said: “Raeburn Construction has cemented a reputation for providing outstanding service, and moving into a purpose built head office is a major step for the family-firm. Over the years they have used our advice as the business has grown, most recently tapping into support that will help them identify the best IT system and increase their digital skills as they look to improve their online presence.”

Having originally hired out freelance site engineers to the construction industry, Raeburn Construction took a new direction in 2008 following the economic crash, moving into groundwork provision for civil engineering contracts.

Scott Raeburn, Director, said: “Because we were a relatively small firm we were able to adapt and react quickly to changes in the industry during the economic downturn. That flexibility helped us weather the storm, and when we decided to become a full-time employer Business Gateway Fife provided us with HR and Occupational Health advice.”

In 2015, the company took the decision to offer its freelance staff full-time positions to provide greater stability and control and launched its own apprenticeship scheme.

“We are very proud of our apprenticeship scheme,” added Mr Raeburn. “It helps fill skill gaps in our industry and allows us to invest in the younger generation who will ultimately be the future of the company. The scheme is a great way to enter the industry and get the skills and qualifications needed for a successful career. We’d be delighted to hear from young people interested in working in our industry who’d be able to start training in early 2018.”

To find out more about Raeburn Construction visit www.raeburnconstruction.co.uk.

To find out how Business Gateway Fife can help your business call us on 01592 858333.