George Leslie
George Leslie is a privately held Scottish civil engineering contractor, founded in 1964 and headquartered in Barrhead near Glasgow, delivering water, marine, power, renewables, environmental and structural repair projects for public-sector and utility clients across Scotland.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1964
- HeadquartersGlasgow, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What George Leslie does
George Leslie Limited is a privately held Scottish civil engineering contractor founded in 1964 by George Leslie Snr and headquartered in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, with regional offices in Inverness (1992) and Bonnyrigg (2004). The company self-delivers complex infrastructure projects across six verticals — water and wastewater, marine, power, renewables, environmental, and structural repairs — for public-sector clients throughout Scotland. Its core technology is an extensive in-house plant and equipment fleet combined with civil engineering construction expertise that enables direct delivery of projects such as ferry terminal reconstructions, reservoir upgrades, substation builds, and peatland restoration without heavy reliance on subcontractors. The company operates under a project-based contracting model, securing work through multi-year framework agreements (most notably Scottish Water frameworks extended to 2027 and CMAL marine infrastructure programmes) and competitive public-sector tendering, with contract values ranging from sub-£1m drainage works to £30.2m flagship marine schemes.
Revenue is generated exclusively through one-time infrastructure project contracts awarded by government bodies and regulated utilities; pricing is determined by competitive tender and project scope rather than disclosed list pricing. The customer base is concentrated in Scottish public-sector buyers, with Scottish Water as the anchor framework client alongside CMAL, SPEN, Glasgow City Council, and a roster of regional councils. George Leslie has undergone three management buyouts (1984, 2003 and 2019), is currently led by Managing Director David Ross, employs over 400 people, and reports global annual turnover of £95m per its Modern Slavery statement. The company is ISO 9001/14001/45001 certified, holds Investors in People Gold (2026), and has publicly committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
George Leslie firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- George Leslie
- Legal name
- George Leslie Limited
- Website
- https://georgeleslie.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1964
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- George Leslie is a privately held Scottish civil engineering contractor, founded in 1964 and headquartered in Barrhead near Glasgow, delivering water, marine, power, renewables, environmental and structural repair projects for public-sector and utility clients across Scotland.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
George Leslie industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Civil Engineering Contracting
- NAICS
- Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (237), Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction (23711), Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction (237110)
- SIC
- Heavy Construction Other Than Bldg Const - Contractors (1600), Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Works General Contracting (IMAFAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Storage & Conveyance Structures (Reservoirs, Tanks, Culverts, Tunnels) (IMAFAGAE), Subsea & Nearshore Civil Works (Trenching, Rock Placement, Mattressing) (IMAFAJAI), Civil & Site Works EPC (Earthworks, Roads, Drainage, Foundations) (EUAEADAA)
Keywords
Where George Leslie is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Glasgow
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
George Leslie business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Infrastructure Project Contracts: George Leslie generates revenue through civil engineering construction contracts with public sector clients and utility companies. Revenue comes from project-based contracts secured through framework agreements (such as Scottish Water frameworks) and competitive tendering for infrastructure projects ranging from water management to marine works to power infrastructure.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
George Leslie product offering
Product offeringCore offering
George Leslie is a Scottish civil engineering contractor that self-delivers infrastructure construction projects across six sectors: Marine (ferry terminals, piers, harbours), Water (treatment works, pipelines, reservoirs), Power (substations, BESS enabling works), Renewables (wind, hydro, solar), Environmental (peatland restoration, river re-naturalisation) and Structural Repairs (BS EN 1504 compliant strengthening). Projects are delivered through framework agreements, competitive tenders and joint ventures for public sector and utility clients across Scotland.
Product overview
George Leslie is a civil engineering contractor providing a comprehensive portfolio of infrastructure services across Scotland. Their core offering encompasses marine works (pier upgrades, ferry terminals, quays), water management (treatment works, pipelines, reservoirs), infrastructure (bridges, structural repairs), power/energy (substations, BESS enabling works), renewables (wind, hydro), and environmental projects (peatland restoration, fish passes). The company operates as a single unified service offering, delivering projects through various contract forms (NEC contracts, design and construct, early contractor involvement) either directly or through joint ventures. Key service delivery sectors include Renewables, Marine, Water, Power, Structural Repairs, and Environmental.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Marine Civil Engineering Services Design and construction of marine civil engineering works including ferry terminal reconstruction, pier upgrades, quay construction, dredging, linkspan installation, and coastal defences for harbour authorities and ferry operators in Scotland.
- Water Management Civil Engineering Services Construction of water and wastewater treatment works, pipeline installation, tunnel and shaft works, reservoir repairs and refurbishment, aqueduct works, and sewer rehabilitation for Scottish Water and other water authorities.
- Power and Energy Civil Engineering Services Substation construction, civil enabling works for battery energy storage systems (BESS), electrical infrastructure, and renewable energy civil engineering for clients including SP Energy Networks, Omexom and Zenobē.
- Renewables Civil Engineering Services Civil engineering infrastructure enabling clean energy generation including wind farm access roads and civils, hydroelectric schemes, and solar developments across Scotland.
- Environmental Civil Engineering Services Peatland restoration, river and watercourse re-naturalisation, fish pass construction, flood protection works, and biodiversity enhancement projects delivered for Scottish councils and environmental partners.
- Structural Repairs Services Structural repair, protection, and strengthening of existing infrastructure assets to standards such as BS EN 1504, including bridge refurbishment and structural concrete remediation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 62% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions since 2010
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use George Leslie
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
George Leslie technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
George Leslie partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Scottish WatercoreMajor delivery partner for Scottish Water with relationship extended to 2027. Operates under multiple frameworks including Infrastructure and Capital Maintenance Partner for Scottish Water's delivery frameworks and SR21 Framework. Key projects include water treatment works, reservoir upgrades, aqueduct refurbishment, and sewer network improvements serving over 1.3 million people.
- Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL)coreTier 1 delivery partner for CMAL marine infrastructure projects including ferry terminal reconstruction at Brodick (£23m), Lochmaddy Pier Upgrade (£15.1m), and New Islay Vessels Enabling Works (£30.2m). Ongoing marine projects with CMAL and Western Isles Council.
- OmexommajorGeorge Leslie delivered enabling and civil engineering works for the Kilmarnock South Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on behalf of Omexom for client Zenobē. Project involved complex groundworks, earthworks, access, drainage, and structural civis for one of Scotland's largest battery storage facilities.
- Mott MacDonaldmajorEngineering consultancy providing design support on projects including Loch Katrine Emergency Spillway Repair and Camps Reservoir Spillway. Mott MacDonald acted as designer/supervisor on emergency water infrastructure works.
- JK EcologyminorEcological specialists engaged on Craigmaddie and Mugdock Reservoir project for environmental impact assessment and biodiversity enhancement work.
- Forestry and Land ScotlandmajorPartner on Loch Katrine Peatland Restoration initiative, with restoration work funded under Scotland's Peatland ACTION programme and coordinated with woodland restoration projects.
- University of StirlingminorResearch partner for Loch Katrine Peatland Restoration, conducting ongoing monitoring of carbon storage and ecosystem recovery through equipment such as dip wells, V-notch weirs, weather stations, and sensors.
- Glasgow City CouncilmajorPublic sector client for infrastructure projects including Polmadie Footbridge Reconstruction (£1.4m) and Bath Street Emergency Sewer Repair. Partnership for various civil engineering works across Glasgow.
- Western Ferries (Clyde) LimitedmajorCompleted reconstruction of secondary roll-on/roll-off berth for Gourock to Dunoon ferry service (£1.6m). Western Ferries operates busy Clyde ferry route and George Leslie maintains ongoing relationship.
- Solway Plant Hire LtdminorPlant hire supplier supporting South Harbour Wall Restoration project with steel sheet piling works using pile lengths ranging from 7.5 to 16 metres.
- SP Energy Networks (SPEN)majorClient for power infrastructure projects including Glenlee Substation (£3m) as part of Kendoon Tongland Reinforcement (KTR) project for network electrification.
- Miller FabricationsminorSpecialist subcontractor manufacturing bridge structure for Garnock Pipe Bridge replacement project.
- EKSPANminorSpecialist subcontractor supplying and installing bridge bearings for Garnock Pipe Bridge replacement project.
- Teknik GSminorSpecialist subcontractor carrying out piling works for Garnock Pipe Bridge replacement project.
- T.I.G.E.R.S. LtdminorConstruction academy partnership supporting apprenticeships and workforce development. Helps people work towards industry recognised qualifications while earning employment and salary through 'earn whilst you learn' programs.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves16 records
Expansion highlights5 records
George Leslie competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Morrison Construction (Galliford Try): Scottish arm of Galliford Try delivering water, infrastructure, and environmental projects for Scottish Water and public clients — comparable by sector but operates as a regional division of a much larger national contractor.
- VolkerWessels UK: Multidisciplinary civil engineering contractor with water, marine, and energy infrastructure operations in the UK — comparable by capability mix, particularly water and marine civils.
- Morgan Sindall: UK construction and infrastructure group with water and utility infrastructure activity through its Infrastructure division — comparable on water and renewables civils but operates at a materially larger scale.
- Balfour Beatty: Major UK infrastructure group with Scottish Water framework presence and overlapping capability in water, power, and transport — comparable by sector but far larger and more diversified geographically.
- Clancy Group: UK water and infrastructure contractor with multi-utility water framework exposure — comparable on water infrastructure delivery but operating as a broader utility services group.
- Kier Group: UK infrastructure services and construction group with water, highways, and energy infrastructure activity — overlaps with George Leslie on water/utilities but operates at significantly greater scale.
Direct peers
- Wills Bros Civil Engineering: Scottish-based civil engineering contractor delivering water, infrastructure, marine, and environmental projects across Scotland — closely comparable by geography, customer segment (including Scottish Water), and service portfolio.
- RJ McLeod: Glasgow-headquartered civil engineering contractor with significant Scottish Water, marine, and infrastructure exposure — directly comparable to George Leslie on regional footprint, service mix, and customer base.
- McLaughlin & Harvey: Northern Ireland-headquartered civil engineering and infrastructure contractor operating across the UK and Ireland in water, marine, energy, and infrastructure — directly comparable to George Leslie by sector mix and public sector client base.
- John Graham Construction: Northern Ireland-based civil engineering contractor with significant water, infrastructure, and highways work in Scotland — similar in size and service portfolio to George Leslie, including framework-based public sector delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
George Leslie social profiles
Digital presenceGeorge Leslie compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
George Leslie financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
George Leslie leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
George Leslie funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
George Leslie M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about George Leslie
What does George Leslie do?
George Leslie is a Scottish civil engineering contractor that self-delivers infrastructure construction projects across six sectors: Marine (ferry terminals, piers, harbours), Water (treatment works, pipelines, reservoirs), Power (substations, BESS enabling works), Renewables (wind, hydro, solar), Environmental (peatland restoration, river re-naturalisation) and Structural Repairs (BS EN 1504 compliant strengthening). Projects are delivered through framework agreements, competitive tenders and joint ventures for public sector and utility clients across Scotland.
Is George Leslie a public or private company?
George Leslie is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was George Leslie founded?
George Leslie was founded in 1964. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is George Leslie based?
George Leslie is headquartered in Glasgow, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does George Leslie make money?
One revenue line is on record: infrastructure Project Contracts.
Who are George Leslie's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Morrison Construction (Galliford Try), VolkerWessels UK, Morgan Sindall, Balfour Beatty, Clancy Group and Kier Group. Direct peers are Wills Bros Civil Engineering, RJ McLeod, McLaughlin & Harvey and John Graham Construction.
Does George Leslie have an API?
No public API is recorded for George Leslie.
What industry is George Leslie in?
George Leslie's product category is Civil Engineering Contracting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFAAAG, Public Works General Contracting, with a secondary code of IMAFAGAE, Storage & Conveyance Structures (Reservoirs, Tanks, Culverts, Tunnels). Its NAICS code is 237 and its SIC code is 1600.