United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC), a leading provider of testing and certification services to the construction sector, has received a £835,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise to support a £2.5 million expansion project at its East Kilbride facility.

The funding will enable UKTC to expand its premises and invest in a new furnace capable of testing structures up to 5m high, enhancing its testing capabilities and meeting the growing demand for its services.

"Since 2007, Scotland's productivity rate has grown by 1.1% a year compared to 0.4% across the UK," said Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur. "Our draft budget for 2025-26 aims to build a more productive economy, setting out more than £320 million for our enterprise agencies who are tasked with helping businesses to grow, scale and become more productive."

This expansion project is expected to create around 20 new jobs at UKTC, bringing the total workforce to 38 employees. It will also improve the company's energy efficiency and enable it to bring in-house services that are currently outsourced.

This investment by Scottish Enterprise demonstrates the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting the growth of innovative businesses and strengthening the Scottish economy.

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Managing director of productivity and business growth at Scottish Enterprise Rhona Allison added: "UKTC's expansion highlights what's possible when a company commits to growth and innovation.

"We know that those businesses that focus on investing and expanding through either new equipment or premises by creating room for further growth in turn create higher value jobs, improve sustainability and profitability in the process.

"This investment helps increase UKTC's productivity and brings benefits to the construction sector supply chain as well as supporting a safer built environment. The project also highlights how Scottish Enterprise can work with businesses to boost productivity and the economy."

UKTC provides a vital test lab service to passive fire protection product manufacturers in the construction industry with rigorous analysis of building materials from doors to wall panels and building membranes to determine and certify their suitability for use in different applications.

The company was established as a response to demand for high-quality fire testing services following tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 that was caused by flammable building material and has led to increased scrutiny around the safety of buildings.

Andrew Hutchison, Head of Technical at UKTC said: "The construction industry is facing growing demand for fire testing, which is why we are investing in a new test hall to expand our services for both existing and new customers, while also creating new jobs as we grow.

"The safety of materials used in homes and buildings is critical, and at UKTC, we remain committed to the protection of lives and assets.

"Our planned extension, set to be completed next year, will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace. This would not have been possible without the support from Scottish Enterprise. Upgrading our facilities will enable us to continue delivering the highest standards of fire testing in the UK."

The expansion of United Kingdom Testing and Certification during National Productivity Week (27-31 Jan) highlights how companies can invest to improve productivity.

National Productivity Week is a campaign organised by The Productivity Institute that aims to raise awareness of, and offer solutions to, addressing productivity challenges. More at www.productivityweek.co.uk