A family-owned business in Barrhead which boasts a £20 million turnover has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

A.C. Whyte, which describes itself as a “leading construction firm specialising in major retrofit”, has reached the landmark birthday despite facing a number of challenges in the last 15 years.

These include the 2008 financial crisis, the global pandemic, Brexit, skill shortages and supply chain disruptions.

Today it operates in 26 out of 32 local authorities and employs a dedicated workforce of more than 100 professionals, including around 20 people based at its head office in the town’s Crossmill Business Park.

Managing Director Jennifer Phin told the Barrhead News: "Our people are the essence of A.C. Whyte and an integral part of the resounding success we embody as a business today.

Jennifer’s dad, the firm’s owner Bob Phin added: “A.C. Whyte is a family business, and our values reflect this."

The company was started as A.C. Whyte (Slaters and Plasterers) in 1973 by Alastair Campbell Whyte.

Its offices were originally in Thornliebank but it has been based at Crossmill since the business park opened in 2011.

Robert joined the company in 1984 as a quantity surveyor and secured the role of MD in 1999.

He successfully grew the business from a humble £250,000 turnover to one peaking at £13 million before he handed the role of MD to Jennifer in December 2015.

Over the past ten years, the company has “exhibited impressive growth while refurbishing numerous homes across Scotland and the UK."

Recognising the urgent need for retrofitting existing homes due to climate change and fuel poverty, they have stressed their commitment to “leading this transformation with innovative, integrated growth strategies for sustainability and community prosperity.”

The company was pleased in its 50th year to recently secure contract wins with Riverclyde Homes and Falkirk, South Lanarkshire, Aberdeen and Edinburgh City Councils.

This autumn it was also named as a finalist in two categories at this year’s Glasgow Business Awards.

Along with this success, the company marked the milestone anniversary by allowing employees to down tools and have a bit of a celebration at each of their sites.

"We thank our team, subcontractors, clients, and partners for their commitment,” said Jennifer, who originally joined the team in June 2011 as commercial manager after a successful career in advertising.

“Their support has played a pivotal role in our journey, and we look forward to the next 50 years."