WNJ advised on a successful restructuring deal following the retirement of Pettit Singleton Associates (PSA) director Steve Pettit after 36 years of service.

Jimmy Dobson, who has served as director and co-owner alongside Steve for the past 15 years, will continue to lead the company, ensuring a seamless transition and continued growth.

PSA is one of the North West’s largest building services engineering practices, with offices located in Preston docklands and at Warwick Bridge, Carlisle. It is a long-time client of WNJ.

The company has been methodically preparing for this transition, with systems in place to maintain business continuity and succession planning to continue the exceptional service clients have come to expect from PSA.

Steve established the business in Preston in 1989 with his wife Barbara (née Singleton) after leaving his engineering role at the NHS.

Frustrated by the industry’s focus on profits over people, they set out to start a consultancy that prioritised client experience and ethical practices. This vision has been the cornerstone of PSA’s success for more than three decades.

During Steve’s 36 years and Jimmy’s 24 years, PSA has delivered exceptional solutions and established long-standing relationships with key clients across North West and beyond, especially in the public sector.

Jimmy said: “The core values that fuelled PSA’s inception and which I have seen develop over my 24 years at PSA remain stronger than ever as we move into this new exciting chapter.

“We remain committed more than ever to providing excellence in building services design for our clients.”

He added: “The team at WNJ, led by partner Michael Barker, demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in guiding us through our recent restructuring process.

“Their patient and meticulous approach ensured a seamless transition that has positioned PSA for continued growth and success.

“WNJ’s team has been instrumental in helping us navigate this significant milestone in our company’s history.

“Their comprehensive understanding of our business values and vision has been invaluable during this process. The relationship we’ve built with WNJ over the years exemplifies the kind of trusted partnerships we value most.

“We particularly appreciate the consistent guidance and strategic advice that has enabled us to take this next step. As we embark on this new chapter with increased staff, expanded service capabilities, and enhanced technological infrastructure, we look forward to continuing our relationship with WNJ as trusted advisors.

“We look forward to many more years of collaboration as we continue to build on the strong foundation established over the past three decades.”

PSA has demonstrated remarkable growth and stability, expanding to well over 40 employees in 2024 – a 33 per cent increase from the previous year—while achieving a 10 per cent increase in revenue.

With another 10 per cent increase in new employees this year, PSA is one of the region’s most well-respected building services compliance, sustainability and design companies.

And with an investment of £280,000 in IT, technology infrastructure and training, PSA is well-positioned for continued success and innovation. The company looks forward to building upon the strong foundation while embracing new opportunities in the evolving construction services.

Law firm Harrison Drury’s corporate team also advised on the transition deal.
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