Our success is built on the strength of our people

James has worked in building services engineering for over 20 years, and is especially interested in the data behind the systems we design. For the past eight years, James has been an integral part of a forward-thinking company where he’s had the chance to lead teams, tackle complex challenges, and get involved in projects that make a difference. Outside work, you’ll usually find him in the middle of a DIY project, on the golf course (usually in the rough), discovering new food from around the world, and unwinding with a good single malt whisky. He lives with his wife, their two daughters, and an old dog who’s happily embracing a slower pace these days.

Philip is a Chartered Electrical Engineer, and coordinated the formation of ESP in 1997 as Managing Director. Starting his career as an electrician, he then trained as a graduate engineer gaining extensive experience and formal qualifications in building services design, consulting, contracting and management. Following a move into design and build contracting organisations, he was appointed as a director of a multi-discipline design consultancy, prior to forming ESP. Philip has significant depth and diversity of engineering experience, commercial awareness and innovation, with the ability to tailor services to suit specific client, project and programme needs. He is married with one son, two daughters and three granddaughters. In his spare time, he enjoys swimming, running and cycling plus travelling to experience different cultures and landscapes around the world.

Alistair joined ESP as Regional Director for the Scottish office in 2014. Having worked for over 35 years in the engineering industry, Alistair has exceptional leading-edge experience of lessons learned and best practices from his experience in a wide range of sectors, including health, custodial, commercial, retail, logistics and aviation. Alistair spends his free time relaxing on the golf course, trying to improve his handicap, and playing padel tennis (as he was never any good at proper tennis!).

Carl is a seasoned director with over 30 years’ experience in construction and property, supported by a solid technical foundation as a degree-qualified engineer specialising in electrical and energy systems. His career spans a broad range of sectors, including commercial, banking, residential, leisure and mixed-use developments across both public and private domains. Throughout his career, Carl has held senior roles serving blue-chip clients, with a wealth of experience covering design, project delivery, strategic account management, technical governance and consultancy. His ability to operate effectively across all stages of the property lifecycle has made him a trusted leader in both client-side and corporate service provider environments. Beyond his professional achievements, Carl is a passionate sailor and competitive racer, bringing the same focus, discipline and strategic thinking from the water into his work. A qualified sailing instructor and coastal yachtmaster, he is committed to sharing his knowledge. Carl also loves travelling and spending quality time with his wife, embracing a lifestyle that values exploration, connection and new experiences.

Starting his career as an electrician, Peter studied theology at university before returning to the industry, eventually training as an engineer, gaining experience and formal qualifications in building services design and construction management. Moving through several organisations as his career progressed, Peter leaned on his experience in installations to guide the designs he produced. Peter has extensive experience in the legacy data centre and critical facility sphere, alongside general engineering. Peter is married with three children.

Gary joined the ESP Edinburgh office back in 2014, and is an associate director having worked in the building services industry for over 24 years. He has a wealth of experience and expertise in a wide range of sectors including education, industrial, custodial, residential, retail, financial and healthcare. Gary can also draw on his experience from his time spent working abroad in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Outside work, Gary enjoys spending time with friends and family, training at the local CrossFit gym, playing football and managing to squeeze in the odd game of golf from time to time (although only when it’s sunny). He lives with his wife, their young son and their family dog.