Brouns & Co adds property expert amid overseas growth

Yorkshire-based sustainable paint maker Brouns & Co has appointed real estate entrepreneur Duncan Melville to its board as it accelerates international expansion plans for 2025.

Duncan, who is based in Harrogate and is the founder of Primus Property Group, brings over 30 years of expertise across the built asset lifecycle, including roles at Northern Rock, Cushman and Wakefield and Arcadis, before launching his own PBSA development company.

He said: “I’ve known Michiel and Brouns & Co for some time, and I’ve been an advocate for natural materials and products where possible in our developments, so I’m excited to come on board to help the business at such a key stage in its growth.”

Since its founding in 2015, Brouns & Co has become a global leader in linseed paints. Following a successful 2024, which included rising US exports and a move to local manufacturing, the business has expanded with a US warehouse in New Hampshire and a dedicated eCommerce platform.

Duncan added: “The remarkable rise in demand for linseed paint and coatings is driven by a need to preserve and protect historic buildings, where Brouns & Co have always had a strong track record with the Natural Trust and RIBA in the UK. 

“But increasingly, the commissioners, specifiers and designers of new buildings and structures are demanding that natural methods materials and components are used. 

“The carbon footprint and sustainability of 100 per cent natural paints and stains puts the business in a very good place, at just the right time.”

The US market, with its demand for natural products and extensive wooden housing stock, is a key focus for Brouns & Co as it continues to grow its international presence.

Founder Michiel Brouns added: “Our progress in recent years, and our expansion to the massive US market is a really exciting time, and we needed to deepen our board experience as we look to scale the business significantly in the coming two years.

“Duncan’s experience within the sector is going to be critical to our UK and overseas expansion, and his understanding of how to help grow a business to take advantage of market opportunities is exactly what we need at this crucial stage of our growth.”

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