As befits a company with over 150 years of history under its belt, Thomas Johnstone Ltd retains a progressive mindset dedicated to setting the standard in the construction and fit-out industry. Under the leadership of Joint Managing Director, Rod Young, the business continues to embrace innovation and efficiency, ensuring its place at the forefront of the marketplace.
One of the most significant recent developments at Thomas Johnstone, which has embraced a forward-thinking approach since its creation in 1868, has been the upgrade of its IT systems. The company has long recognised the importance of technology, as Mr Young explains: “We’ve been focusing on improving our cost and valuation systems, as well as our estimating systems. This is crucial for improving efficiency and accuracy in our operations.”
The implementation of a new document management system will also be a game-changer, as it will enable Thomas Johnstone to resolve issues in real time, essential for looking after larger projects throughout their duration. “Having identified the increased importance of document management in construction, especially for more complex contracts, we’ve been working on implementing a more formal system,” adds Mr Young. “This new system will helps manage drawings, snagging and defects much more effectively.”
As well as being proactive from an internal improvement point of view, Thomas Johnstone has also been busy on the development front, having recently been involved in several high-profile projects. One of the most notable is the Block D project in George Square, Glasgow, which is a 19-storey mixed use accommodation development valued at around £22m.
Another substantial project was Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh, which saw the construction of several buildings including the main reception, break out area and restaurant, and the resort’s control tower. “Valued at approximately £8m, this project again highlights our versatility. It was a very exciting development to work on.”
Thomas Johnstone has also been involved in a refurbishment project at Taymouth Castle that has seen the creation of luxury apartments, as well as the development of new facilities at Loch Lomond Golf Club. These projects demonstrate the company’s ability to deliver diverse and innovative projects to a high standard.
These projects demonstrate the company’s ability to deliver diverse and innovative projects to exceptional standards in key sectors such as hotels, serviced apartments, offices, leisure facilities, golf and, more recently, surfing at Lost Shore.
Further underlining the quality of its workmanship, Thomas Johnstone was nominated for not one but two Construction Awards of Excellence 2024 for its work on the development of a New Learning Hub for Harmeny Education Trust, where it just missed out in the ‘Excellence in Educational Building’ and ‘Construction Project of the Year’ categories.
Thomas Johnstone’s ability to turn its hand to a wide range of type and size of project has been vital during a period when the construction industry has faced several challenges, which led to something of a slowdown across the UK marketplace during 2024. “Securing work is becoming slightly more difficult, with a rise in Design & Build projects indicating a tighter market,” outlines Mr Young. “Despite this, we still have 60-70% of our work secured for this year, so we continue to be in a healthy position.”
Cost management has also been a significant focus for Thomas Johnstone. The increase in National Insurance, changes in employment laws, and the minimum wage rise have all impacted base costs, providing an additional challenge for all businesses. The company has therefore been working on finding efficiencies both in buying and on-site to mitigate these effects.
While outside pressures are always going to provide issues for every business, for its part Thomas Johnstone has done its utmost to ensure its own house is in order, particularly by placing a strong emphasis on investing in its people. It continues to bring in apprentices, particularly within its joinery workshop, in order to mould them in-line with the company’s ethos and standards. “Developing apprentices helps to fill the current skills gap within the marketplace and ensure a new generation of skilled workers. Our core values of people, integrity, total customer focus and continuous improvement remain the driving forces behind our business. This is reflected in our approach to apprenticeships and staff training generally.”
Looking ahead, Thomas Johnstone’s main objectives for the next 12 months are to reduce costs through efficiencies in buying and on-site operations. This will not only enable the company to comfortably tackle its current workload but also help secure sales for 2026 and beyond. In addition, the company is aiming to further promote its new document and contract management system.
By continuing to evolve and improve, Thomas Johnstone is driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation. With a strong leadership team in place, the company is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come, as it writes the next chapter in its already illustrious history of delivering excellence since 1868.