New office provides room to grow

About the business

Raeburn Construction invested £440,000 in room to grow by building a new head office and four extra industrial units. Set up in 2006 by Scott and Sarah Raeburn, the firm has become a major subcontractor to leading names in construction. Business Gateway Fife has provided support along the way.

“It’s always been our goal to build our own office space, but it became a priority in 2017 when we realised we’d outgrown our current location,” says Sarah.

In just 12 months, the company’s 50 site operatives worked on around 40 projects – from Heart of Midlothian’s new stand to a Hampton by Hilton hotel. Turnover to May 2018 was projected to hit at least £6 million.

How Business Gateway has helped

Raeburn Construction originally hired out freelance site engineers to the construction industry. In 2008, it moved into groundwork provision for civil engineering contracts. The company offered its freelancers full-time positions in 2015 to provide greater stability and control.

“As a relatively small firm, we were able to adapt and react quickly to changes during the economic downturn,” Scott explains. “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.”

What’s next?

Raeburn Construction is again tapping into Business Gateway for support – this time to tackle IT and digital issues.

“We’re looking to invest in a new IT system,” says Sarah. “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’re also investing in a new website 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.”