A leading provider of powered access equipment has reached the finals of a major national award scheme that celebrates family-run businesses.
Access Platforms Aberdeen (APA) has been named as a finalist in the Customer Service Excellence category of the Herald Scottish Family Business Awards 2026 in association with Business Gateway. Organisers say this year’s shortlist: “showcases the breadth, resilience and ambition of Scotland’s family business community.” Winners in all categories will be announced during a ceremony in Glasgow next month.
APA was set up by Rob Petrie and Mark Stephen in 2005, and recorded turnover of almost £2.5 million in 2025. It employs 16 people across its Aberdeen headquarters and base in Elgin, including three generations of the Petrie family namely Rob and his wife Jacqueline, Rob’s sons Ryan and Darren, and Darren’s daughter Miley.
Having grown from its roots in the construction sector, the company works with clients across a range of industries including facilities management, utilities, distilleries, military and nuclear. It has a portfolio of some 400 machines and specialises in equipment for 3.2m to 28m including push arounds, electric and diesel scissor lifts, electric and diesel booms and spider lifts. The company also offers in-house servicing, maintenance and training to support projects throughout Scotland.
Rob (left) and Ryan Petrie
Soon after setting up the business, Rob was joined by Ryan whilst the addition of Darren to lead the training division created an additional revenue stream that continues to create sustainability through diversity. With Jacqueline and Miley on board too, the team has worked together to build and consolidate the business using their combined experience and shared values to create a personal, agile decision-making process that allows the company to be nimble in meeting customer needs.
Commenting on the news, Managing Director Rob Petrie said: “Being named as a finalist in these prestigious awards is a tremendous honour and a proud moment for everyone involved in our business. This recognition is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the entire team and we are very grateful to them all.”
Operations Director Ryan Petrie added: “As a family business, values and relationships sit at the heart of everything we do so it’s fitting to be a finalist in a category that acknowledges the importance we place on customer service.”
For more information, visit www.accessaberdeen.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1224 899000.