Building on 75 years of success – the next steps
Leading Scottish construction company McTaggart Construction has appointed Janice Russell as their new Managing Director.
The move is part of a management restructure of the long-established family business which sees current MD Gary Climson take up a new post as non-executive chairman.
McTaggart Construction are one of the leading providers of affordable housing, building high quality homes across Scotland. It recently had a management buy-in whilst retaining family ownership.
Over the last five years the company has increased from around 200 to 500 direct and indirect staff employed (permanent employees of McTaggart and sub-contractors) and an annual turnover up from £42m in 2017 to £90m in 2022.
The restructure sees Gary, who has worked with the Dalry based group for nearly 30 years, preside over a new company board of directors, including Rosslyn Anderson – who is part of the McTaggart family – and current board director Ally Anderson.
Janice, a chartered surveyor and project manager (MRICS) with over 30 years’ experience within property and construction, specialising in housing, will also be on the Board. She will oversee a new Executive Management Team of Finance Director Lynne Wilson, Commercial Director Paul Roan, Construction Director John Allan and Pre-Development Director A J MacFarlane. She will be joined by board directors Ally and Rosslyn.
Mr Climson said: “The restructure follows extensive consultation with our staff and business partners on how best to grow the business whilst retaining the McTaggart family values.
“Our new clearer management structure will allow us to build on that solid base and take full advantage of future market opportunities and I’m delighted that Janice will be taking over as Managing Director. She’s a fantastic asset to the Company and her strong leadership and knowledge of the business will drive us forward.
“Together Ally and I bring 55 years of experience at McTaggart’s to the Board and Rosslyn brings that all important family perspective. She carries the weight of a remarkable heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and endeavour.”
Mrs Russell, who has been with the company for 12 years, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be given this opportunity to lead McTaggart Construction. This is a fantastic family business immersed in the communities we serve.
“We have a strong order book and significant client loyalty because our staff deliver exceptionally high customer focus. That success story has been built over 75 years on the values staff share with our clients and communities. It’s those values that will continue to shape our future as we grow our client orientated business – delivering professionalism, quality and remaining true to our ethical, community and environmental values.
“The restructure provides clearer lines of responsibility and a focus on areas the business can become stronger to best serve their clients and sustain a successful future.”
The remarkable success story began when brothers George and Willis McTaggart formed the business in 1946.
From humble beginnings they embarked on a number of entrepreneurial ventures with G&W McTaggart Ltd delivering general building, haulage and various community services. In 1950 they built their first house – a semi-detached property on Templand Crescent in Dalry – the location of the current head office.
In 1973, its name changed to McTaggart Construction to reflect the focus of the business. In 1987 Laurel Homes was set up to specialise in private homes and four years later group annual turnover was over £1m for the first time.
In the early 1990s Willis retired and passed control to his siblings. In the intervening years his son Ross McTaggart led the business through a significant period of growth, acquiring ABN services, and forming McTaggart Scaffolding, McTaggart Civils and Tod Timber Engineering until his own retirement as Chairman, after over 50 years of service, in 2017.
Gary has been integral to the continued success of McTaggart Construction. During his tenure as managing director, the business has continued to go from strength to strength and is a highly regarded construction partner of choice.
In the last 10 years the company has delivered over £600m of projects. In his new role of non-executive chairman, Gary will continue to use his considerable knowledge and experience to further the success of the business.
Over the last 75 years they have delivered thousands of high quality affordable homes, primarily across the Central Belt but also at sites in Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee and Ayrshire. Recent award winning developments include Laurieston and Dalmarnock in Glasgow, and the restoration of the category A listed Dunlop House in Ayrshire.
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