A plumb job by family firm for 60 years

Family-run Aberdeen firm CAS Duncan is celebrating its 60th year in business. The plumbing, heating and electrical firm was started by Sandy Duncan on May 2 1962 following the completion of his apprenticeship as a master plumber.

He opened his first premises in Great Western Road before the second branch followed in 1996 in the Hardgate, where they remain open to this day.

The company has continued to grow and currently employs 39 members of staff.

Grandfather-of-four Mr Duncan, 84, said: “We’ve got a good team of staff, some who have been there years, and always had regular loyal customers.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved reaching 60 years.

“We are one of the biggest independent firms in Scotland.”

The business is managed by Mr Duncan’s son-in-law Euan Harkness who has been there since 1993. He is married to Mr Duncan’s daughter Sandra who also works for the business in the finance department. The couple’s son Scott also works in the family business.

CAS Duncan has expanded its customer offering over the years and now does domestic and commercial sales and servicing.

Mr Harkness said: “The advent of the internet and increased customer expectation have definitely been the most obvious changes.

“We have combated this by doing our best to offer a personal, effective and quick turnaround on all inquiries and orders.

“More and more people tend to search online for white goods, so the market is competitive.

“However, the vast majority of our customers come back to us time and again as we offer excellent customer service, which is not available online, and pride ourselves on this.

“Another area that has increased a lot recently is the rental of commercial white goods which is beneficial to our business customers’ cash flow, particularly in these difficult times.

“To reach 60 years is a great reflection of Mr Duncan’s vision of running a high-quality local business offering a diverse range of products and services to a range of different customers.

“We have a great reputation locally and this is mainly thanks to great staff who are happy to go the extra mile.”

GOING THE EXTRA MILE: Plumber Sandy Duncan is proud of his firm’s dedicated staff.