Levelling Up the Next Generation at Wallace Whittle

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Levelling Up the Next Generation at Wallace Whittle

Wallace Whittle is taking the lead in growing the next generation of engineers and designers, ensuring the future of our company is in safe hands. 


At Wallace Whittle, we are committed to supporting our junior staff financially while looking to attract and retain the best new talent in the industry. Demonstrating our dedication to the future, we’ve undertaken a ‘levelling up’ exercise, paying an average of over 40% above the minimum wage for our WW:Academy Junior Level 2 staff across the business on top of College / University and ongoing training investments.

This financial investment is not just about providing opportunities but also recognising and rewarding the hard work of our junior staff. As we navigate industry changes and embrace new technologies, the fresh perspectives of our junior staff play a crucial role in futureproofing our operations. Wallace Whittle is taking the lead in growing the next generation of engineers and designers, ensuring the future of our company is in safe hands. 

'Buy One Get Two Free'


In the recent period, we have taken significant strides in nurturing young talent by bringing on board over 30 new young staff since our MBO in 2021. As part of our commitment to driving this staff growth forward, we’ve introduced a unique initiative – a ‘buy one get two free’ offer. When a regional office hires a junior staff member, head office steps in to cover the costs for another two, encouraging the expansion of our junior team across the business with the company, covering the cost of their development years while providing additional training support via the Academy.

This initiative reflects our belief in the potential of new talent and our dedication to providing opportunities for growth. By doubling down on our commitment to junior staff, Wallace Whittle is ensuring a continuous influx of fresh ideas and perspectives that contribute to the dynamic evolution of our company. 

In line with expected growth across the business and planned offices in new locations we are forecasting to bring in a further 30 new junior staff over the coming three years with plans already in place to employ 10 degree apprentices throughout 2024 across the UK in Aberdeen, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Warrington and London. 

Join Our Team


If you want to be part of this exciting growth, there’s never been a better time to join our team. Visit:

Apprenticeships at Wallace Whittle

Careers at Wallace Whittle

Or get in touch to discuss your experience and let’s see how we can bring you on board, email [email protected]


Navigating Change: Scotland's Section 6 Update

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Navigating Change: Scotland's Section 6 Update

Navigating Change: Scotland's Section 6 Update


Section 6 of the Scottish Building Standards Technical Handbooks is set to be updated from April 2024. The change is being named ‘The New Build Heat Standard’ (NBHS) and will affect the type of heating system that new build homes and buildings will be allowed to use. Any project where a building warrant is submitted from 1st April 2024 will be subject to the new regulations. So what does this mean for us, and what does it mean for you?

Heating Scotland’s homes and buildings is one of the biggest contributors of Scotland’s carbon emissions, with around 22%* of greenhouse gas emissions coming from our homes and workplaces, and the equivalent of 73.9% of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions are associated with energy (i.e. the electricity, heat, transport and industry sectors)** The NBHS will help ensure new buildings will not contribute to emissions. Meaning people who buy new homes will know its future-proofed against the need to switch heating systems in the future. 

NBHS and Emission-Free New Buildings

NBHS is part of the Scottish Government’s wider Heat in Buildings Strategy, which aims for zero emissions buildings by 2045

The use of direct emission (or polluting) heating systems such as gas/oil boilers and biofuels will be banned, and alternative systems such as heat pumps and heat networks will be required instead. However, it is important to note the Build Heat Standard (NBHS) will not apply to emergency heating systems, or systems solely for frost protection. At Wallace Whittle we see this as a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability and a positive step forward industry wide. 

Neilston Learning Campus does not use any on-site fossil fuels and is 100% electric.

Transition to Sustainable Alternatives 

The Future Homes Building Standard has been created with the aim of decarbonising new residential buildings through enhancements in heating and hot water systems. This goal can be achieved by replacing current technologies with low-carbon alternatives.

Notably, the replacement of outdated and less efficient counterparts with high-quality building fabric and the adoption of low-carbon heating via heat pumps. The implementation of these changes, combined with supplementary regulations addressing existing homes, is expected to play a significant role in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, contributing to the achievement of our 2050 net zero target. 

Maybole Community Campus does not use any on-site fossil fuels and is 100% electric,  with all-electric heating, hot water and heat recovery.

Wallace Whittle's Perspective

The landscape of sustainability is constantly evolving, and we see each challenge as an opportunity for growth and innovation. At Wallace Whittle we are used to navigating the complexities of change, but we take pride in actively shaping a future where our commitment to sustainability is not just a professional obligation but a shared ethos that drives positive impact. 

Sustainability is central to everything we do. We have been strongly advocating for these measures for years and we are delighted that the rest of the industry is moving in the right direction. We will continue to work with our clients to deliver the exemplary quality of service they have come to expect from us. We have a proven track record of delivering buildings which are best in class with respect to energy performance. Creating sustainable environments is crucial to our approach as a business. We know that we can only fulfill our purpose as designers if we can deliver sustainable and environmentally conscious buildings that support the wellbeing of all its occupants.  


At Wallace Whittle, we’re prepared for the New Build Heat Standard to come in in April in Scotland – We’d love to bring our expertise to your next project, get in touch with our Sustainability team today by emailing [email protected] or head to our LinkedIn to find out more about what we do. 

 

* Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2023) Scottish Energy Statistics Hub. Available at: https://scotland.shinyapps.io/Energy/ (Accessed: 16 February 2024).

** Office for National Statistics. (2022) Climate change insights, families and households, UK: August 2022, Climate change insights, families and households, UK – Office for National Statistics. Available


Operational Energy Expertise

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Enhancing Sustainability Through Operational Energy Expertise: A Wallace Whittle Approach

Enhancing Sustainability Through Operational Energy Expertise: A Wallace Whittle Approach


In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability within the built environment, operational energy plays a pivotal role. At Wallace Whittle, we take pride in our ability to provide comprehensive assessments and calculations to predict energy consumption. Our expertise empowers clients to make informed decisions, minimise energy consumption, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a greener future.

Our Approach:

Understanding and predicting energy consumption is at the core of our approach. Our team employs sophisticated assessments and calculations to evaluate key energy end-uses, including heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy sources. By leveraging our multi-disciplinary backgrounds and sector-specific knowledge, we ensure a thorough analysis that sets the stage for a net-zero carbon design.

One of the distinguishing features of Wallace Whittle’s approach is our commitment to holistic design, we recognise that the success of any sustainable design hinges on two crucial components: the system/project design and the behaviour of the building occupants.

Our team collaborates closely with architects, MEP engineers, and our clients to integrate the system design seamlessly. Simultaneously, we engage in a conversation with clients to understand the details of building usage and occupant behaviour.

From Concept to Integration: Making Sustainability Tangible

Our approach enables us to showcase the impact of proposed designs from the beginning. We empower our clients to make environmentally conscious decisions through education, by providing them with a clear understanding of operating costs, utilities expenditure, and potential areas for improvement. We find that transparency fosters a collaborative environment where clients can actively participate in the journey towards sustainable and energy efficient buildings.

We actively engage with clients to gain insights into occupant behaviour, ensuring that our assessments are grounded in real-world scenarios. By basing our calculations on factors such as daily usage patterns, we create designs that align seamlessly with the needs and behaviours of the end users.

Reducing Costs, Reducing Carbon

With our operational energy expertise, we aim to help clients beyond reducing their energy costs but also to decrease their overall carbon footprint. Through meticulous assessments, we identify opportunities to enhance energy efficiency, minimise waste and optimise overall performance. This proactive approach positions our clients to not only meet but exceed their sustainability goals.

Operational energy considerations are more critical now than ever. At Wallace Whittle, we take pride in our ability to merge cutting-edge assessments, holistic design principles, and client collaboration to create buildings that not only meet but exceed sustainability benchmarks. By prioritising both system design and occupant behaviour, we pave the way for a greener, more efficient future—one sustainable design at a time.


We’d love to bring our expertise to your next project, get in touch with our Sustainability team today by emailing [email protected] or head to our LinkedIn to find out more about what we do.


Wallace Whittle Appoints New Director for Central Scotland

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Wallace Whittle Appoints Steven Dunn as Director to Support Next Level Plans

Wallace Whittle Appoints Steven Dunn as Director to Support Next Level Plans


Wallace Whittle is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Dunn as a Director. Formerly a Partner at Troup Bywaters + Anders, Steven brings a wealth of experience and market knowledge to our existing team of Directors in Scotland.

In his previous role, Steven played a crucial role in delivering projects across various sectors, from commercial office refurbishments to developments in retail, hotels, data centers, and education, which fits seamlessly in with key sectors covered by Wallace Whittle in Scotland. At WW, Steven will join the existing team of Directors in our Scottish region consisting of Glasgow Director, Barry McKeane, Edinburgh Director, Stephen Osborne and Aberdeen Director, Andy Forbes. His focus will be developing the Central Belt in line with our strategic plans and commitment to assembling a team of industry leaders, to drive innovation and success in the region.

Managing Director, Allan McGill commented

“2024 sees us entering our fourth year of business since our MBO and we move forward with a clear plan to take our company to the next level, being market-leading in everything we do. Enhancing our management team across the UK and Ireland is key to this plan, so with Steven working hand in hand with existing Directors and office teams, we’re able to strongly deliver on these objectives.”

Steven Dunn, Director
Director, Steven Dunn shared his thoughts on joining Wallace Whittle

“Having the opportunity to join such a well-known brand as Wallace Whittle, that has evolved significantly since their MBO was a fantastic opportunity I could not pass up. Their plans for further growth and their unwavering drive for quality of product and service just struck a chord that I know will in turn, be key to my own network and beyond.”

With Steven’s appointment in Scotland, Wallace Whittle is poised to drive further expansion in our England offices, intensifying our presence in the region. This strategic initiative involves establishing new offices throughout England and expanding existing locations in Warrington and London. Wallace Whittle is committed to enhancing our footprint and impact across the UK and Ireland market. We have a strong track record of supporting and developing new offices from zero to £1-2m in just a couple of years -if you are looking for a new challenge, like Steven, get in touch in confidence with our Managing Director, Allan McGill – [email protected]


Get in touch with us at [email protected]


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