BRUSH acquires majority stake in Scottish engineering contractor McGowan Group

BRUSH Group has acquired a majority stake in Scottish infrastructure and environmental engineering contractor McGowan Group.

The deal sees the Aviemore based firm, who are a NERS accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), become a key part of BRUSH Engineering Solutions – a leader in turnkey solutions to the UK’s power distribution network.

Based in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands, McGowan employs around 60 people in three business units:

McGowan Infrastructure, specialist in cabling, ducting, pipework, substation and access infrastructure and accredited ICP within the public and private sectors.

McGowan Environmental, design and construction services with a focus on delivering projects which protect and enhance the natural environment.

Eco Cable Protect UK, supplier of exclusive and innovative cable protection and installation technology for the UK’s onshore energy and utility industries.

Ross McGowan, of McGowan Group who founded the business in 2009 and continues as Managing Director alongside the existing management team, said: “Becoming part of BRUSH Group is an exciting new chapter in our story and we’re looking forward to working with the team at BRUSH to apply our approach to working in the natural environment to a broader range of customers as we support the growth of the business across the UK.”

Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said of the deal: “This is an exciting deal for both BRUSH and McGowan, creating significant growth opportunities both north and south of the border. There are strong synergies between our two businesses and McGowan’s impressive environmental credentials add a new dimension to our engineering capabilities. What’s more, their exclusive Eco Cable Protect business gives BRUSH customers a lower cost, lower carbon alternative protection system for cable and pipe laying projects across the UK.”

He continued: “2024 has been yet another year of transformation for BRUSH – one where we have made huge strides towards our vision of delivering complete turnkey solutions for our customers.  We are changing the landscape of the industry, redefining what it is to be an original equipment manufacturer; using our hard-earned experience, industry expertise, and drive for excellence to build a business fit for the future. As we move into 2025, we are in a stronger position than ever to deliver industry-leading products, services and solutions to support the UK’s energy transition.”

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Leading M&E and building services consultancy joins BRUSH Group

Committed to delivering exceptional products, services, and solutions to infrastructure projects across the UK, we are delighted to confirm that one of Scotland’s leading mechanical, electrical, building services and sustainability consultancies, Rybka, is now part of BRUSH Group.

With an impressive track record of delivering superior services across a wide range of sectors, the addition of Rybka enhances our offering around Building Information Modelling (BIM), building physics, Passivhaus design and low carbon consulting.

Established in Scotland in the 1990s and with more than 50 staff located in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, the acquisition gives BRUSH a greater foothold into the Scottish market, and enables Rybka to grow into England and Wales.

Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rybka on board as part of the BRUSH Group. We already share a lot in common and I see many of our values reflected in the way the team at Rybka works together to deliver outstanding results for their clients. I am impressed with their breadth of knowledge and expertise, and having Rybka as part of the Group will not only support our ESG ambitions but also create decarbonisation opportunities with new and existing customers.”

David MacLeod, Rybka chairman, said: “We are very excited to be joining the BRUSH Group. Our proven track record as a provider of outstanding consultancy services, along with BRUSH’s reputation for delivering engineering excellence, will ensure we continue to go from strength to strength. Working in partnership with BRUSH we will grow our geographical footprint and build on our existing expertise; all while continuing to deliver an exceptional customer experience.”

Rybka is now a key part of the BRUSH Engineering Solutions portfolio, supporting growth into the ever-growing markets of infrastructure electrification and renewables whilst operating independently, and business as usual, with existing partners and clients.

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Exciting new acquisition: BRUSH speeds ahead with further growth

The BRUSH Group is excited and delighted to announce the acquisition of electrical infrastructure specialists, Poise Group. It’s a move that further accelerates the growth of BRUSH and will enable Poise’s unique design skills in EV charging and traction to perfectly complement the outstanding delivery capabilities that BRUSH is renowned for.

Nicolas Pitrat, BRUSH Group CEO, explained the importance of the acquisition:

“The lower-cost, zero-carbon electrification of our infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges our industry faces. It requires new, agile and adaptive engineering solutions, and the acquisition of Poise Group adds specialist engineering expertise to BRUSH, enabling us to support the transitioning of the electrical infrastructure in the UK.”

The partnership also gives BRUSH a huge opportunity to access new markets, add expertise in different areas such as civil engineering, and offer turnkey EV solutions to customers at just the right time.

Poise’s Joint MDs, Prem Hari and Rajiv Agrawal were equally positive about the benefits the acquisition will bring, saying:

“We are delighted to add our railway electrification and engineering expertise to The BRUSH Group. Together, we’ll be better positioned to address the challenges our electrical infrastructure faces by providing engineering solutions for complex decarbonisation projects, including the EV charging and traction segments.”

The transaction was completed on the 17 May 2023 with business continuing as usual for all BRUSH and Poise employees, customers and suppliers.

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leadership change

JEREMY WATSON CONFIRMED AS MD OF ETA PROJECTS AS EUGENE CONROY RETIRES

Eugene Conroy, co-founder of Eta Projects, which was acquired by BRUSH Group in 2022, has announced his retirement.

As Managing Director, Eugene has played a key role in the impressive growth and success of the business and will stay with the company until August. Between now and then, he will be working closely with new Eta Projects MD Jeremy Watson (who is currently Power Infrastructure Director), to ensure a smooth transition.

Commenting on the news, Nicolas Pitrat, BRUSH Group CEO said: “I want to thank Eugene for all he’s done for Eta, including to help facilitate the business joining BRUSH Group. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him until August. I know that Jeremy has exciting plans for the business and is aligning his future vision with that of BRUSH Group. There is certainly plenty for everyone at ETA and BRUSH to look forward to.”

Of his successor, Eugene Conroy said: “Jeremy is one hundred percent the right person to take Eta Projects forward, and I know the business will be in the safest possible hands going into what promises to be a very exciting future.”

Jeremy has already started work, setting out his vision for the future success, growth and profitability of Eta Projects, as well as providing more value to all our customers. “I’m honoured to accept the baton from Eugene,” he says.  “Eugene has created a highly respected consultancy practice and I’m excited to lead the business into the future. I want to maintain the ethos, integrity and reputation that Eta Projects is known for, as well as broaden the scope of the work we do for the NHS while looking to grow our client base in new areas such as banking, data centres and with the MOD. “

Everyone at BRUSH wishes Eugene a happy retirement when he leaves in August, and we all look forward to working with Jeremy to help him realise his exciting vision for the business.

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A new CEO for the BRUSH Group

A new year and with it, a new chapter for BRUSH Group.

It’s with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of our CEO Chris Abbott. Chris has been instrumental in guiding BRUSH through some of the biggest changes and challenges in the Group’s history.

Of his time at BRUSH, Chris says: “It’s been a privilege and pleasure to have been part of the BRUSH story. I’m very proud of what we’ve all achieved and built together, sometimes against very strong headwinds. I know that I leave the business stronger and in good hands, ready to face the future.”

Chris will be leaving his role this month but will continue to contribute to our future plans by becoming Chairman of the BRUSH Board, working closely with our parent company, OEP.

Our new CEO, Nicolas Pitrat, will be moving up from his current role as BRUSH Group Finance Director. Nicolas will ensure BRUSH stays focused on delivering uncompromising quality with every project, as we continue to develop innovative, integrated and sustainable engineered solutions that harness and safeguard the flow of electrical energy across the UK.

Of his appointment, Nicolas says: “I’m excited and honoured to be taking up the mantle from Chris. BRUSH has a great future ahead, with the people here to help us succeed. I’m looking forward to working with clients, colleagues and suppliers to help ensure we continue to deliver the innovations that will enhance our electrical energy management products and solutions.”

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