From a single dream to an award-winning team, Primech Building Services shows what passion and collective talent can achieve
Some of us leave school unsure of our next steps, while others have a clear goal. For Declan Ausher, the dream was always to start a business. Today, that business is known as Primech Building Services, a turnkey mechanical and electrical contractor, based in Gillingham, Kent.
From state-of-the-art schools and new head offices to refurbished hospital wings, residential new-builds and cultural spaces, Primech delivers complete mechanical and electrical (M&E) solutions, including design, installation, distribution, maintenance, testing and commissioning. Through its Major Projects, Small Works and Facilities Management divisions, the firm strives to consistently provide first-class expertise and outstanding management.
As an ambitious youngster, Declan was certain he wanted to run his own company. However, the right field wasn’t immediately clear. Careful market research and analysis of different industries led him to mechanical and electrical engineering. He started with a Level 2 NVQ in Plumbing & Heating before progressing to Level 3 NVQ and Domestic Gas. After the four years at college, Declan completed his Commercial Gas qualification and various courses in Air Source Heat Pumps, covering both domestic and commercial applications.
He balanced his studies with building experience and clients during the evenings and weekends, and within two years of leaving college, he founded his own business, which was later registered as a Limited company. “This venture laid the foundation for what would become Primech,” says Declan. “From the outset, I focused on forging strong relationships with workstream partners and maintaining a commitment to excellence, always striving to deliver only the best.”
The rebrand of this original business venture to Primech came in 20219. Declan explains: “At that point, the team included a small number of office members, employed fitters, apprentices and a trusted supply chain. We were fortunate to attract some exceptionally talented staff, most of whom remain with Primech. It’s our team’s dedication and drive for excellence that have allowed the business to grow at such a rapid rate and into what it is today.”
Throughout Primech’s impressive growth trajectory, the team have worked exceptionally hard to maintain the highest standards of service. Their commitment is reflected in a series of accolades. A standout moment came in 2023, when the company won the Medway Business Award for Industry Excellence, followed by first place in the Kent Megagrowth Award in 2024. Later that year, Primech was honoured with the Medway Business Award for Most Trusted Contractor – a recognition Declan is especially proud of. Most recently, in March 2025, the business achieved fourth place in the Kent Megagrowth Award.
Alongside the dedicated team, Primech’s success is driven by its core values. “Excellence, trust, quality, innovation and passion are principles that underpin everything we do,” says Declan. He adds: “Collaboration with our clients is always central to our approach. From the outset, every project is supported by a dedicated operational team, including contract managers, project managers and site supervisors. There is always a clear point of contact, ensuring seamless communication and support at all times. Our project divisions provide regular programme updates and reports so that progress can be tracked and monitored, and we seek regular feedback from clients through surveys. This ongoing dialogue gives us valuable insights, helping us improve continuously.”
Innovation is prioritised in order to execute the very best, sustainable design solutions. According to Declan, the team is always exploring fresh ideas to enhance both the design process and the way projects are delivered. “We have established an outstanding reputation across all sectors through a series of successful projects and by staying true to the company’s ethics, founding values and passion for quality,” he explains. “We are committed to strengthening society, not only through the infrastructure we build and maintain, but also by continually implementing streamlined, sustainable processes.”
Primech’s tailored solutions stem from its carefully structured internal divisions – Major Projects, Small Works and Facilities Management, each led by experts in their respective fields. “We recruit carefully to ensure we have the right people in place, allowing us to specialise effectively across different sectors,” points out Declan. “This expertise, combined with the unique utilisation of technology within our operations, enables us to approach each workstream with precision, constantly optimising our offering and delivering tailored, collaborative solutions for our clients. Our goal is to work seamlessly alongside all stakeholders, focusing on a ‘as one’ delivery with everyone involved.”
Determined to enhance both efficiency and sustainability across Primech’s projects, Declan and his team are continually exploring new technologies and software. In the past 18 months, the company has integrated cutting-edge digital tools that have transformed collaboration, communication and client delivery. These innovations, Declan notes, enable Primech to reduce unnecessary travel, cut carbon emissions and streamline project execution – all while still maintaining the highest level of accuracy and quality.
Just as vital, Primech has cultivated a culture that embraces innovation. “Our team, clients and suppliers have been highly receptive to these new approaches,” adds Declan. “We see technology as a key driver in delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions for the future.”
ESG considerations play a central role in Primech’s long-term vision and daily operations. The contractor proudly holds ISO certifications ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2015 and ISO45001:2018, and recently passed its latest audit. “Maintaining these accreditations, alongside our Construction Line Platinum Accreditation, ensures we remain compliant and assist us in upholding the highest standards across all areas of our business,” says Declan.
While compliance is essential and forms the first step, Declan views ESG as a foundation and framework for sustainable growth, innovation and corporate responsibility. One example he cites is the Primech Internal Training Academy, launching in 2026/2027, which will provide structured training for the next generation of engineers, employing three or four apprentices into the company each year. By embedding ESG principles into both strategy and operations, Primech has its sights set on strengthening stakeholder confidence, driving innovation and aligning with evolving global and client expectations.
Primech is involved in a variety of exciting projects across the South East, spanning the education, healthcare, defence, Blue Light Services and logistics sectors. Many of these involve retrofits and upgrades within live working environments. With more projects due to commence later this year, momentum continues to build for the firm. “We’re particularly excited about opportunities to support public sector decarbonisation initiatives,” says Declan. “These projects allow us to help clients achieve their sustainability goals while continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mechanical and electrical engineering.”
As Primech builds on its recent successes, Declan is clear about the priorities that will shape the company’s next chapter. A major focus will be on continuing to reduce Primech’s carbon footprint. “Sustainability remains a key priority, and we are committed to investing in the right people and expertise to ensure every initiative delivers real impact,” he says. “We’re also looking to enhance both internal and external communications, including marketing initiatives and the introduction of a quarterly newsletter, keeping staff, clients and stakeholders more informed about our progress, achievements and overall Primech insights.”
Equally important is the ongoing development of the team. “We take pride in nurturing talent and instilling the ‘Primech Way’ from day one,” adds Declan. “Like I mentioned before, one of our key initiatives for 2026/2027 is the launch of the Primech Internal Training Academy, a structured training programme designed to onboard the next generation across every area of the business. Trainees will benefit from mentoring and hands-on development throughout their training, with the opportunity, in time, to mentor the next wave of talent, creating a full cycle of growth and expertise within the business.”
Ultimately, Primech’s strength lies in its people – a point Declan emphasises with conviction. “The dedication, passion and excellence of our team are what allow Primech to thrive. We’re incredibly proud of the work they deliver every day, and it’s their commitment that will continue to drive our success well into the future. “I would like to thank all the Primech Team for their hard work and dedication and I am looking forward to our continued success.”
