Retirement sees co-owner take control of Preston building services engineering firm

The co-owner of Preston-based building services engineering practice, Pettit Singleton Associates (PSA), has bought out its founder to take full control of the company.

Jimmy Dobson has been co-owner for 15 years and has now bought out fellow director Steve Pettit’s half of the business to fully acquire it, following his retirement after 36 years with the company.

PSA said it has been preparing for this transition, with systems in place to maintain business continuity and succession planning.

Steve and Barbara Pettit

Steve established the business in Preston in 1989 with his wife, Barbara, after leaving his engineering role at the NHS.

During Steve’s 36 years and Jimmy’s 24 years, PSA says it has established long standing relationships with key clients across the North West and beyond, especially in the public sector.

Jimmy Dobson said: “The core values that fuelled PSA’s inception and which I have seen develop over my 24 years at PSA remain stronger than ever as we move into this new exciting chapter.”

He added: “We remain committed more than ever to providing excellence in building services design for our clients.”

The company has expanded to more than 40 staff in 2024 – a 33% increase from the previous year – while achieving a 10% increase in revenue. It aims to grow its headcount by a further 10% in the current year.

Following a £280,000 investment in IT, technology infrastructure and training, PSA said it is well positioned for continued success and innovation and looks forward to building on its strong foundation while embracing new opportunities in the evolving construction services.

Harrison Drury’s corporate team advised PSA on its transition, and Preston-based accountancy practice, WNJ, advised on the restructuring deal.