The grant will contribute to a £2.5 million project that will see UKTC extend its premises, create a new furnace capable of testing structures up to 5 metres high, and create around 20 new jobs, bringing the total workforce to 38. This will improve its energy efficiency and bringing services in-house that it currently sub-contracts to a European supplier.

Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “Since 2007, Scotland’s productivity rate has grown by 1.1% a year compared to 0.4% across the UK.

“Our draft budget for 2025-26 aims to build a more productive economy, setting out more than £320m for our enterprise agencies who are tasked with helping businesses to grow, scale and become more productive.

“In the last financial year alone, Scottish Enterprise marked its best performance on jobs and capital investment. This included securing and safeguarding more than 16,700 jobs and unlocking £1.9 billion of capital investment spend.”

Managing director of productivity and business growth at Scottish Enterprise Rhona Allison said: “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.