Alfred Brown & Co (Painters) was established in 1936 by Alfred Brown, and succeeded by his son Doug Brown and eventually by his Grandson Colin Brown.

In 1949, R M Syme Ltd (Painters) was established by Roy Syme, who was formerly an adult apprentice to Alfred Brown. Roy was succeeded by his son Steve Syme.

Brown & Syme Ltd was formed in 1989 by Colin Brown & Steve Syme, as a merger between Alfred Brown & R M Syme.

Brown & Syme Contracting was formed when Peter Mason joined Colin & Steve as a director in 1993. Peter was apprenticed to Alfred Brown & Co as a painter in 1973 and after serving his time, was promoted to Supervisor and Contracts Manager. He became a 50% shareholder in Brown & Syme Contracting Limited With the retirement of Steve Syme.