Bruton Knowles has opened its first office in Scotland to support a growing client base in the country and has appointed key senior figures to head up the team there and to pursue the growth of the business.
Linda Turner will take on the newly created role of Head of Utilities and Infrastructure Scotland and Caroline Campbell joins her as Senior Associate. Both have over 20 years’ experience in the industry in the country and both have moved from senior roles at Savills.
The new Bruton Knowles Scotland office has been tactically positioned, located in Paisley – bordering Glasgow and all key road, rail and air connections. The Bruton Knowles Scotland Team will offer full geographical service coverage in the country.
James Bailey is Managing Partner at Bruton Knowles: “I’m sure this will come as no great surprise to many in the industry. We have expanded our bases in the South West, Wales and the North and so a move into Scotland was the natural next step.
“The decision, as ever, was hugely dependent on securing the right team to establish and drive our presence there – so we consider ourselves fortunate that Linda and Caroline were eager to take up the challenge. Their reputation is far reaching and their guidance as to how we develop the team further in Scotland will be invaluable. They have already made a substantial impact. We could not be more delighted and they have the full support of the Senior Executive Team at Bruton Knowles as they bring their plans to fruition.”
Linda Turner commented: “This was too great an opportunity to pass up on a personal and career level. Bruton Knowles has given us an amazing opportunity with the freedom to build our team, establish the way that we work and who we work for.
“Having direct and open conversations with the Executive Team means that we can make decisions quickly on a day-to-day basis from the strategic plan agreed. Which makes this new team, nimble, responsive and self-sufficient. This kind of proactive partnership is a rare gift these days and we are already seeing the benefits.
“We expect the team to grow quickly this year – filling key roles and then next year we will need to bring others on board. We are already in conversation with some significant utility and infrastructure clients and energy developers in Scotland with some exciting projects. The team in place already has a proven track record and that’s the biggest benefit that we can offer clients in Scotland – and it’s that level of deliverability that sets us apart from day one – a rather unique position.”
Caroline commented: “Clearly I’m going to be a little biased, but Scotland is an exciting and challenging place to be at the moment – between net zero targets, the green agenda, renewables markets and with the changes in agriculture and land use. Navigating shifting government policies and regulations introduced by the governing SNP, in partnership with the Green Party, can present issues for all our clients, particularly those in the utilities sector – so our combined knowledge can be hugely beneficial.
“We have seen a number of businesses look to establish a base in Scotland but the challenge has always been that it can be difficult if you don’t know the market and don’t have the contacts. Linda and I don’t have that issue and for that reason we are opening up at a completely different level with a fully formed offer. And so far, that combination appears to be appealing to clients here – and to new additions to the team. We could not have asked for a better start.”
Caroline’s background is also in private client work, rural surveying, estate management and valuation, so although the new Scotland office has been opened in answer to customer demand from utilities and infrastructure business – the doors are also open for all rural practice and wider surveying needs.
The new Scotland office is the fourteenth for Bruton Knowles and the third to open this year. The announcement follows the news that Gill Froud, the new Head of the Utilities & Infrastructure Team South has been promoted to Partner and Russell Davies appointed to Head of Utilities & Infrastructure Wales.