**Glasgow**: Synergy Lifting Solutions has marked its tenth anniversary, showcasing significant growth and diversification in the construction sector. Founded in 2014, the company adapts to industry demands, focusing on comprehensive services and talent development amidst market uncertainties. They’ve rebranded as Synergy Group to broaden their market reach.
Synergy Lifting Solutions, a Glasgow-based company, is celebrating a decade of growth and diversification within the construction industry. Established in 2014 by Douglas Hill and his wife, Heather Hill, the company sought to differentiate itself from traditional crane hire businesses that primarily offered limited services. “We started out… to provide an alternative to the majority of crane hire companies that mainly seemed geared to hiring crane and operator only and letting the client plan and execute their lift,” Douglas Hill explained to Construction Industry News.
Initially, the company’s offerings focused on managing the entire lifting process, meeting the rising demands of businesses facing stringent health and safety regulations. Not being a crane owner initially did not deter Synergy; instead, they capitalised on their skilled labour force, allowing them to offer comprehensive services that included planning and executing lifts, as well as handling the necessary insurance.
Over the years, Synergy has expanded its services significantly. Following a successful initial period, the company transitioned from its original Greenock location to a larger site in Glasgow to accommodate growing storage needs, which led to the establishment of Synergy Space—a division dedicated to storing client equipment until it was ready for installation. The company’s footprint in the West of Scotland has since widened, extending to clients throughout the UK.
In 2019, Synergy Lifting Solutions moved again, this time to a substantial 10,000 sq ft facility in Hillington Park, Glasgow, necessitating an expansion of staff from a modest beginning to a workforce that now includes around 46 employees. Alongside their lifting services, the company identified a gap in the training market resulting in the launch of Synergy Training Solutions. This initiative aims to attract younger talent to the construction sector through apprenticeships and various industry-relevant courses.
Further diversification followed, with the company becoming involved in civil engineering, particularly in the car rental market. Their civil engineering division, Synergy Industrial Solutions, was formed to handle essential groundwork and surfacing for construction projects, enabling the company to provide “a complete ‘cradle to grave’ service on projects valued up to £5 million.” Douglas Hill highlighted the impact of their recent expansions on workforce growth, noting that they faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic but emerged successfully and continued to expand operations.
Currently, Synergy operates across a spectrum of sectors within the construction industry, including Ministry of Defence (MoD), airports, and the petrochemical sector, contributing to an impressive turnover nearing £9 million. However, the company has not been without its challenges. Recent uncertainties tied to the upcoming General Election and the increase in National Insurance have prompted concerns over market conditions, as Douglas outlined, “Any change in government results in uncertainty within the marketplace and a reduction in capital expenditure generally.”
In addressing worker retention and the influx of new talent, Synergy has emphasised the importance of their training initiatives to ensure the development of the next generation of construction professionals. “It’s all about getting the right people in the right places,” Douglas stated. The company has also adeptly adapted to modern sales practices by focusing on relationship-building rather than traditional sales tactics.
Despite its challenges and rapid growth, Synergy Lifting Solutions has managed to nurture a robust relationship with its clients, leading to substantial repeat business. The company celebrated its tenth anniversary in September with a ball at Òran Mór, Glasgow, attended by staff, supply partners, and key clients, revealing a commitment to the company’s culture.
As they embark on future endeavours, Synergy has not only rebranded from Synergy Lifting Solutions to Synergy Group to better position itself within a broader market, but they also aspire to solidify their status as one of the largest privately owned construction firms in Scotland, while continuing to explore additional services. The growth and diversification strategies appear carefully calibrated to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to the evolving needs of their clientele.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
