Members of the firm received the prestigious accolade at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh at a black-tie function supported by the Scottish Government. The £100 million fit-out business fended off competition from other shortlisted contenders Morrison Construction and Kier Scotland.

It followed a nomination from the University of Glasgow after a year-long series of projects including heritage refurbishments and cutting-edge laboratory spaces for world-leading researchers.

The glowing submission praised Morris & Spottiswood’s ‘culture and ethos’ for being aligned to the university and its ‘collaborative, can-do, attitude operating openly and honestly’. Further credit was given to the firm’s ‘active participation’ in the University’s Health & Safety Forums and initiatives, in-depth experience of the sector and thorough understanding of challenges presented by a live academic environment.

Morris & Spottiswood director for fit-out Scotland, Gordon Clyne, said: “We are hugely grateful for the nomination from the University of Glasgow which is the result of a highly successful, collaborative partnership, which has developed over many years. One of the critical factors to this success is our shared values.

“We are very proud of the long-term work we have delivered for the University and it’s always a thoroughly enjoyable experience working with them. After becoming a key member of its construction supply chain through its Minor Works Construction Framework, we have been able to deliver a wide variety of projects within the £100,000 to £5million bracket. This has enabled us to make a significant impact on the overall working and learning environment.

“Key work has taken place in the University’s McCall Building, James Watt South Building, Thomson Building, terraced houses in Professor Square and Level 4 of the Boyd Orr Building. We have delivered a broad mix of services from Mechanical and Engineering (M&E) work to bespoke joinery, specialist flooring, fabric repairs, restoration and landscaping. The projects have varied greatly from sensitive restorative treatment within listed buildings to intensive upgrade, refurbishment and fit-out work.”

The submission goes on to commend Morris & Spottiswood’s management team for being ‘readily available’, for ‘proactively seeking feedback as part of their framework engagement’, and for ‘actively participating in their University Health & Safety initiatives’. It further endorsed the ‘responsiveness and commitment to partnership working’ which has helped build a valued and trusted partnership.

Morris & Spottiswood employs more than 400 people with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Warrington and Leeds. Mr Clyne said the award reinforces the firm’s strong partnership with the University of Glasgow, which has developed over a period of ten years.

He added: “Our work with the University of Glasgow offers an excellent case study communicating the calibre of work we deliver in the education market.

“There are unique aspects to working in each and every sector, however this particular area requires keen attention to health and safety and a flexible approach in relation to the movement and well-being of staff and students. Being one of the largest fit-out firms in the UK we feel well placed to continue driving growth in the education sector due to our depth of knowledge, experience and expertise.”