Summary
- BGF has completed a multimillion-pound investment in Harley Haddow to support organic expansion and selective acquisitions.
- The Edinburgh-headquartered engineering consultancy employs nearly 200 people and has opened three offices in England over the past four years.
- Director Marc McLuskey is to become chief executive, with Charles Layfield joining as non-executive chair.
- More than 80% of the firm’s live projects have a decarbonisation or net zero focus.
Full Article
BGF has completed a multimillion-pound investment in Edinburgh-headquartered engineering consultancy Harley Haddow to support further UK expansion and selective acquisitions.
The investment, announced on 21 October, follows a period in which the company has opened three offices in England over four years, acquired specialist consultancy Pillar Fire and grown its workforce to nearly 200 people.
Director Marc McLuskey is to become chief executive as part of the next phase of the business’s development. Charles Layfield will join as non-executive chair through BGF’s Talent Network, bringing experience of more than 30 acquisitions during his career.
Founded in 1950, Harley Haddow provides mechanical and electrical, geotechnical, civil and structural, and fire engineering services, alongside building performance and sustainability expertise. It works with public- and private-sector clients on design, regulatory and sustainability requirements across the building lifecycle.
More than 80% of its live projects have a decarbonisation or net zero focus. Its cultural and heritage work includes BAFTA’s headquarters and the V&A in London, SWG3 in Glasgow and ongoing involvement in the renovation of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s glasshouses.
McLuskey said: “Harley Haddow has built a strong reputation over 75 years by combining deep technical expertise with a highly personal approach to clients. We are now a UK-wide consultancy employing nearly 200 people, with a strong platform from which to continue expanding our geographic reach and service offering.
“BGF’s minority investment model will allow us to accelerate our growth ambitions while ensuring Harley Haddow remains independently managed, with our existing leadership team, culture and values firmly in place. BGF’s experience in the built environment sector, collaborative approach and alignment with our ambitions made them the right partner to support the next stage of our journey.”
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BGF’s previous investments in engineering and the built environment include Hydrock and BB7, both of which it has exited.
John Devine, investor at BGF, said: “Harley Haddow combines 75 years of engineering expertise with the ambition and momentum of a high-growth business. The team has built a strong national platform whilst maintaining the culture, technical quality and client relationships that differentiate the business.”
