Shetland building firm drives growth and creates jobs

Whiteness-based building firm, G A Leask Builders has purchased a large warehouse in Lerwick. A project to convert the premises into four units is underway, one of which will be used for its own expansion.

The project has the potential to help 12 local businesses expand into more suitable premises by supporting the growth ambitions of the prospective tenants and vacating properties that these businesses have outgrown. It aims to partially address the demand for additional spaces in Shetland.

While G A Leask Builders funded the purchase of the building, HIE’s contribution is covering the adaptation costs for the premises, with G A Leask Builders renting or selling the units. The funding package includes both grants and repayable grants to supplement the company's private investment.

G A Leask's growth was constrained by their workshop size, prompting them to explore new property options. The company employs 15 staff, including two new additions and an apprentice. This development will create five new jobs.

The units will feature full insulation, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, contributing to the company’s net zero ambitions.

The project will also support the growth ambitions of the building’s prospective tenants.

Katrina Wiseman, Orkney and Shetland area manager for HIE, said:

“It has become increasingly difficult for the private sector to develop commercial property for various reasons. Our recent research demonstrates demand for workshops, offices and manufacturing space from businesses and organisations looking to expand and create new jobs in Shetland.

“By supporting this project HIE is enabling the private sector to develop property, helping to ease the commercial property shortage.

“We are keen to hear from other businesses in Shetland with similar plans and aspirations to develop commercial properties in Shetland.”

Bryden Leask, director of  G A Leask, said: 

This project will make a big difference to our business. The works to the building are very nearly complete and we plan to start shifting operations to our new unit through May. Once operation from Blackhill we will see a significant reduction in operating costs and increased efficiency due to being able to have the office, workshop, stores and the Glass Centre all under one roof. The additional insulation, energy efficiency measures and the solar panels will reduce our energy consumption.

"The additional space also lets us grow as a business but at a gradual and controllable rate to meet current and future demand. Our focus right from the beginning was to alter the building to create industrial units to allow other businesses to move in with us and allow them to grow as well as ourselves. That also opens opportunities for other businesses to grow in to all the units we have all moved out of. This project would not have been viable without the support of HIE."