BRE Highlands

BRE Highlands
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28 July 2004

Another dynamic research and consultancy business has decided to open an office in Inverness. BRE is the UK's leading centre of expertise on buildings, construction, energy, environment, fire and risk.

Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE) is pleased to confirm the establishment of BRE Highlands - a centre for innovation and environmental excellence in Inverness.

Stuart Black, chief executive for INE, said: "This move by BRE reflects the confidence they have in the future of the area.  They, and many others, can see the numerous benefits of having a base in Inverness and the Highlands.

"They will initially be based in the Green House business technology centre, where they will have access to existing expertise in innovation and research."

This new business commitment for the region will lead to the creation of new highly skilled technical, consultancy and research jobs associated with the built environment.

Guy Hammersley, chief operating officer of BRE, commented: "BRE is recognised as a world-class research, consultancy, testing and certification business. Our mission is 'to work with our clients to deliver world class solutions'. This has led us in our plan to establish and grow a business based in the Highlands of Scotland." 

BRE Highlands will act as a gateway to clients for all the products and services BRE as a group has to offer.  Initially, BRE will focus its efforts onto delivering services to key areas of importance for the economy and infrastructure of  North Scotland.  For example, BRE Highlands will:

  • Assist businesses to improve their processes and reduce waste
  • Support innovation and commercialisation of ideas
  • Assist with the infrastructure improvements for land and property projects
  • Advise on sustainable design and energy efficiency within buildings
  • Introduce new skills development programmes

Mr Hammersley added: "BRE has a proven track record of delivering this type of work; creating wealth, jobs and sustainable communities, which also extends to other areas of activity. In recent years, BRE has been working in the Highlands on a number of projects, in particular helping the local forest industries implement innovations and access their markets. It is from these local successes that the concept of BRE Highlands was born."

Jonathan Fair, director of BRE Scotland said: "I am delighted that we are able to announce our commitment to the opening of BRE Highlands, serving the particular needs of the North of Scotland.

"We recognise the importance to the economic, social and environmental prosperity of the region gained from encouraging, facilitating and implementing sustainable development within the built environment in a locally focussed way. This expansion is a further example of our corporate commitment to grow and develop the business in new and innovative ways."

Critical to the early success of BRE will be their ability to build on existing successful relationships, delivering a range of services and projects and creating new business partnerships with key public bodies.

BRE also plans to match this income with new private consultancy from within industry.