After a storied history of 120 years, Charles Henshaw & Sons Ltd, a leader in façade innovation, has entered administration due to escalating financial pressures.
- Founded in Edinburgh as a metalworking company, Charles Henshaw & Sons evolved to offer advanced aluminium glazing systems, significantly impacting the UK’s architectural landscape.
- Financial difficulties stemmed from increased costs associated with legacy contracts and delays in new projects, contributing to reduced margins and operational losses.
- The decision to appoint an administrator has left 72 employees at the firm facing redundancy, as no buyer is being sought for its business or assets.
- The company is renowned for its complex projects, including cultural landmarks and public buildings, marking its legacy in the UK’s construction journey.
Charles Henshaw & Sons Ltd, a prestigious name in Scottish façade design, has succumbed to financial strain, resulting in the recent decision to enter administration. This downturn has been largely attributed to the compounding effects of financial challenges from legacy projects, exacerbated by unforeseen delays in commencing new contractual obligations, which collectively led to significant reductions in profit margins and subsequent trading deficits.
Established in Edinburgh over a century ago, Charles Henshaw & Sons began as a decorative architectural metalworking entity. The firm expanded its technical prowess in 1982 with the inauguration of an aluminium glazing systems division, offering sophisticated curtain walling and window solutions tailored to the construction industry’s evolving demands. Notable projects included work on revered cultural sites such as the Usher Hall and various public edifices including the Glasgow Queen Street station, underscoring the firm’s construction prowess.
Despite such achievements, the current economic climate proved insurmountable. As a result, the decision was made to initiate administrative proceedings. This has placed the futures of its 72-strong workforce into uncertainty as redundancy looms, compounded by the absence of an active search for a prospective buyer for either the company or its assets—a decision influenced by the substantial financial liabilities currently incumbent upon the firm.
Graham Chung, the managing director, expressed profound regret over the company’s closure, acknowledging the dedicated efforts of their skilled workforce, whose meticulous craftsmanship and engineering expertise have left an indelible mark on the architectural tapestry of the UK. In a reflective statement, Chung recognised the company’s celebrated status within the façade industry, attributed to its ‘long-serving, loyal and extremely well-trained’ team.
As the appointed administrator, Shona Campbell of Henderson Loggie emphasized her commitment to ensuring that employees affected by this transition are guided with appropriate care and resources. Campbell noted the arduous task of navigating the company’s financial woes, while identifying the unique opportunities that exist for investors willing to acquire a company with an extensive and reputable portfolio, despite its current struggles.
The closure of Charles Henshaw & Sons marks the end of an era in Scotland’s architectural history, with its influence enduring in its works.
