History
Our legacy inspires trailblazers. Our culture fuels innovation. Our talent speaks for itself.
We look back at our rich history with enthusiasm for what is yet to come. We adapt to new environments with ease. Flexing and moving in time with new technology. Keeping up by staying miles ahead.
1829
Charles Brand
Young Charles Brand moved to Montrose, Scotland, launching his own business. 2 years later, his son, and future business partner, James Brand was born.
1870
James Brand
James set his sights on what was next, moving the business to Glasgow. He knew the city was central to the Scottish industry and saw potential for their business.
1880's
A True Pioneer
The next decade saw Charles Brand become a true pioneer in the use of mechanical construction plants and equipment such as pumps and excavation machinery.
1918
Harry Brand and London
After spending the last two decades completing underground railway contracts in Glasgow, the company chairman, and son of James Brand, Harry Brand, relocated the firm to London.
1920’s
London Underground
Charles Brand played a major part in the expansion of the London Underground, truly cementing their place as market leaders.
1930’s
Partnership to Incorporation
Moving from partnership to incorporation, Charles Brand welcomed senior engineering figures James Rennie and Freddie Taylor as directors.
1989
JL Kier & Co Ltd
Following the 1971 takeover by JL Kier & Co Ltd, Charles Brand emerged as an independent company in Northern Ireland.
1994
Lagan Specialist Contracting Group
Charles Brand acquired by Lagan Specialist Contracting Group.
2005
A New Brand
Charles Brand merged with other Lagan Companies.
2019
Relaunch
Charles Brand is relaunched, carrying out infrastructure, marine, utilities, telecommunications and rail projects across the UK and Ireland.
2020
The Year of Covid-19
As the Covid-19 pandemic put the rest of the world on pause, Charles Brand continued to deliver essential infrastructure schemes.
2021
New Milestones
We reached the milestone of having delivered superfast broadband infrastructure to over 50,000 homes and businesses.
We won the CEF Social/Community Project over £1m for the Lagan Gateway Project, and were shortlisted by the Building Innovation Awards in the ‘Most Innovative Public Sector Project’ sector.
2022
Momentum Continues
Along with our partners, Rhomberg Sersa UK Ltd, we were awarded an Active List position on the prestigious Translink FW073 Civil Engineering Contractors Framework. We are also working with NI Water to deliver the £1.2bn IF106 Major Project Partnership Framework (MPPF), comprising large, capital works projects (over £10m in value) on Water and Wastewater infrastructure across Northern Ireland.
2023
Industry Leaders
Our Apprentice David Reid won CEF Apprentice of the Year. We also led the charge in Electric vehicles, 100% of company vehicles are EV.
We successfully completed £1.8M of work for Translink in a 3 week period, originally planned for 26 weeks.
We are always keen to hear from you. Whether you have an enquiry, feedback or are interested in apprenticeships or joining the team, get in touch.